Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a common and divergent combination of disorders which affect the muscular, soft tissue, and bony components of the temporomandibular joint. TMD is the most common etiology of non-odontogenic pain in the orofacial region. Patients might ignore TMD symptoms which might be discovered only when TMJ examination is included in the patients’ screening protocol in dental practice.
Nowadays, dentists are considered the primary care providers for TMD, since they have the necessary training required to properly diagnose and treat these complex disorders. In addition, the United States court system appraises TMD to be within the scope of practice of dentistry. Accordingly, it is the duty of every dental practitioner to screen all patients for TMD in order to detect any signs or symptoms of these disorders. The screening should include history, clinical examination, consultation and referral as needed. This approach might spare patients from the possible disease progression and help to relief TMD symptoms including the common undiagnosed headache.
The lecture will discuss the evidence-based approaches by which the screening, diagnosis and management of TMD can be performed.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the prevalence of TMD in different parts of the world including UAE.
- Explain the different classification systems for TMD.
- Discuss about an evidence-based approach for the diagnosis of TMD.
- Discuss treatment protocols for the different classes of TMD.
- Discuss possible morbidities associated with undiagnosed and mistreated TMD.
