Osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis are considered to be degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases. Various systemic and local risk factors contribute to the initiation of injury to the components of the joint. TMJ function will remain normal as long as its adaptive capacity is not compromised. The failure of the TMJ to adjust may cause symptoms such as pain and/or limitation. The etimology and pathogenesis of TMJ osteoarthritis have not yet been fully clarified. One of the possible causes may be joint overload which can lead to remodeling of the TMJ. Prolonged overload of the TMJ may cause chondromalacia and subcortical bone resorption. Osteoarthritis can be divided into early, initiation phase and progressive phase; ultimately it leads to the appearance of cardinal radiographic features: osteophyte, surface erosion and subcortical pseudocyst; changes do not necessarily reflect the exact stage of the disease. If the disease has reached the adaptive stage without symptoms it is called osteoarthrosis. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis involves questions about the patient's medical history and a detailed clinical examination of the structure and function of the joint. It is important to extend the diagnosis with adequate radiographic imaging wich can confirm osteoarthritic changes of the TMJ. The following radiographic techniques are used: conventional radiography, CT, CBCT, MRI and ultrasound. CT and CBCT are reliable methods of diagnosing bone changes and MRI is better for disc displacement. The best treatment would be one that is the least invasive but relieves symptoms and improves the patient's quality of life.