Modern Technology Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy and Outcome Assessments

Abstract

Incorporating modern technology into clinical diagnostic methods does not necessarily replace traditional diagnostic methods, but ultimately represents an opportunity to improve patient care. Objective biophysiologic measurements (BPM) enhance both the clinical information obtained from the patient's report of symptoms, and the clinical observations made during a patient examination. It has been universally acknowledged that combining multiple tests enhances diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Further, an increase in the objectivity of the diagnostic process from using quantifiable, biophysiologic measurement data, improves treatment progress monitoring and outcome assessment, by reducing the clinician's total dependence on both patient feedback and clinical opinions. This chapter discusses several dental technologies that are now readily available that provide objective bio-physiologic measurements of masticatory function. Biophysiologic measurements have the potential to provide detailed, objective analyses with increased specificity. Each diagnostic technology is illustrated with examples recorded from both asymptomatic control subjects, as well as from patients with specific masticatory dysfunctions. The significance of these instruments is that any dentist can use these technologies to better understand their patients' conditions and to verify their degree of success after each rendered treatment. A recommendation is provided that dental medicine should accept the use of modern computer technology as an indispensable part of making an accurate diagnosis, monitoring treatment progress and assessing the quality of the outcome results. An essential portion of this chapter addresses the unfounded resistance to these differing technologies, especially amongst academia, which should no longer inhibit their widespread clinical implementation. Importantly, biophysiologic studies suggest that well-documented emotional symptoms (like depression, anxiety, catastrophizing, etc.) often associated with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), are most often triggered by physical pain from structural disorders, rather than being themselves etiologic of TMDs.