Temporomandibular Disorder: a practical guide for dental practitioners in diagnosis and management

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorder is a broad term encompassing pain and/or dysfunction of the masticatory musculature and the temporomandibular joints. Pain arising from a temporomandibular disorder is a common reason for seeking dental care. It is essential that dental practitioners are able to accurately diagnose and manage this condition. Identifying people at highest risk of developing a temporomandibular disorder and knowing which procedures are more likely to initiate or exacerbate a temporomandibular disorder, are important to reduce the likelihood of its acute and chronic presentation. The aim of this paper is to provide the dental practitioner with a clinical guideline for reference including practical tools to examine, diagnose and manage patients with temporomandibular disorder. In addition the risk profile of patients and procedures is explored to help minimize the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders and mitigate its symptoms. The scope of the dental practitioner in the management of acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders is presented, with guidance about when referral to a specialist is indicated.

Ultrasound-guided inferior alveolar nerve block for trismus during dental treatment: a case report

“…According to the American Association of Dental Research, it is strongly recommended that unless there are specific and justifiable indications to the contrary, treatment of TMD should be based on the use of conservative, reversible, and evidence-based treatment modalities [2]. Treatment methods include gentle muscle massage, anti-inflammatory medications, and use of oral appliances [5,6].…”

“…The TMJ connects the mandible with the temporal bone [2]. The joint functions with the aid of the muscles and ligaments attached to the joint capsule, condylar neck, and mandibular body [3].…”

“…The TMJ is innervated by the trigeminal nerve, in which the mandibular branch (V3) provides motor nerve supply to the masticatory muscles while the auriculotemporal and masseteric branches provide sensory innervation to the joint [4]. Common symptoms of TMD are pain in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders along with restricted jaw movements, headache, difficulty eating, bruxism, clenching, otalgia, and joint sounds [2]. Restricted jaw movement causes trismus, which leads to difficulty in eating and receiving dental treatments.…”

Ultrasound-guided Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Trismus in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Case Report

“…The TMJ connects the mandible with the temporal bone. 2 The joint functions with the aid of the muscles and ligaments attached to the joint capsule, condylar neck, and mandibular body. 3 The nerve supply to the TMJ is provided via the mandibular branch (V3) of the trigeminal nerve.…”

“…4 The common symptoms of TMD are pain in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders, along with restricted jaw movements, headache, di culty eating, bruxism, clenching, otalgia, and joint sounds. 2 Restricted jaw movement causes trismus, which leads to di culty in eating and getting dental treatment. Therefore, treatment of TMDs associated with trismus can signi cantly improve patients' QOL.…”