Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches to Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a burgeoning area of study within the dental field. TMD is caused by abnormalities in the temporomandibular joint or muscles of mastication and can lead to pain, loss of function, and other complications. As this area of patient care receives increased focus, the ability to accurately diagnose TMD becomes paramount. The aim of this review is to summarize novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that have been proposed within the last approximately 3 years in order to inform readers of the cutting-edge advances in the field of TMD diagnosis and management, while also analyzing the clinical relevance of each study. A PubMed search was completed on 1 March 2023, using MeSH terms related to TMD diagnosis and treatment. The search yielded seven articles that pertained to the aim of this review article. The main findings from each study are summarized in this review article. These novel methods of diagnosing and treating TMD may improve our ability to assess and treat patients suffering from TMD.

ChatGPT‐4 as auxiliary tool in the temporomandibular disorders diagnostic: An opinion

“…ChatGPT-4 as auxiliary tool in the temporomandibular disorders diagnostic: An opinion Dear editor, Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a complex clinical condition characterized by the presence of musculoskeletal abnormalities, such as dysfunctions in the temporomandibular joint or masticatory muscles. 1 The most commonly reported symptoms include headaches, loss of function, neck pain and discomfort, all of which have a negative impact on the quality of life. 1,2 Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are considered the gold standard of assessing these maxillofacial disorders.…”

“…1 The most commonly reported symptoms include headaches, loss of function, neck pain and discomfort, all of which have a negative impact on the quality of life. 1,2 Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are considered the gold standard of assessing these maxillofacial disorders. However, failures in diagnostic interpretation can lead to delays in emergency care.…”

Editorial for “Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches in Temporomandibular Disorders and Myofascial Pain” Special Issue in Life

“…In the dynamic and complex field of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), keeping our knowledge up to date is of great importance. The following Special Issue focuses on novel as well as established therapies [1][2][3][4][5][6], with an additional glimpse at diagnostic improving tools and novel approaches [4,7,8], as well as epidemiological data [9].…”

“…Many patients must visit several specialists, often from various fields, before finding help. Moxley et al, based on the recent literature, pointed to the possibility of introducing an artificial neural network-based program to aid the diagnostic process [4]. Kreiner et al, who created the program, showed its significant advantage over the diagnostic abilities of inexperienced general dental practitioners, as it has a sensitivity and specificity close to 100% [10].…”

“…Vieira et al showed, in a quality systematic review, the evidence for the effectiveness of manual therapy in managing TMDs [1]. Although this approach is nothing novel, there is ongoing research to develop better protocols, as described by Moxley et al [4]. Similarly, needling therapies constantly reappear in the literature.…”