abnormalities.
Diagnosis is the name of the game and its imperfect application by countless clinicians has made it the Achilles heel of TMJ therapy. Tying together the anatomic, physiologic, and psychological elements is essential for optimal patient service. As in all other sections, a comprehensive bibliography permits the reader to explore these tools further.
The multifaceted nature of cause-oriented TMD therapy is covered well, as the various types of appliances are described and the indications for their use given. The aphorism that “a splint is a splint is a splint” is ludicrous, in light of the biologic background elucidated by the authors. Depending on the diagnostic assessment and classification described beforehand, the clinician may use a relaxation splint, a stabilization splint, a decompression splint, a repositioning splint, or a verticalization splint. Again, diagnosis is the name of the game in their choice. Along with supplemental use of muscle relaxants, heat, infrared radiation, stress relief and counseling.
Profuse color illustrations make following the text easy and enhance the understanding of the concepts. A recent scientific study showed conclusively that color pictures are easier to comprehend by the human brain. This color atlas is a good example of this fact. Excellent production, for which Thieme is noted, enhances the value of the book. Read, enjoy and learn!
T.M. Graber. DMD, MSD. PhD, MD, DSc, ScD, Odont.Dr. FRCS. Professor
Foreword
The authors of this extraordinary atlas have given the dental profession an extremely comprehensive and well-organized treatise on the functional diagnosis and management of the masticatory system. Historically, dental literature in the field of occlusion has been primarily based on clinical observations, case reports and testimonials. This extremely well referenced atlas is a welcome addition to the momentum within the dental profession to move the field forward to a more evidenced-based discipline. The multidisciplinary diagnostic approach presented in the atlas is well established and supported by published data. Chapters include up-to-date information and exquisite photography on the anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics of masticatory system, as well as detailed diagnostic techniques. The theme of the atlas is based on the importance of the coordinated functional interaction between the tissue populations of the various stomatognathic structures. The authors emphasize the need for thorough functional analyses in order to accurately determine if the dynamic physiologic relationship between the various tissue systems is functional or dysfunctional. As so beautifully illustrated in the text, when there is a disturbance in this dynamic functional equilibrium due to injury, disease, adverse functional demands or a loss in the adaptive capacity of the tissues, tissue failure and functional disturbances can occur. The authors present precise and very comprehensive clinical functional analysis techniques for establishing specific diagnoses, and ultimately, improved treatment planning. Multidisciplinary treatment planning based on the data derived from diagnostic functional analyses including established orthopedic techniques, intraoral examinations, imaging and instrumented testing systems is expertly explained in easy to follow steps. The emphasis throughout the atlas is that diagnostic-driven treatment is based on the specific needs of the individual patient rather than based on a preconceived belief system or on a stereotyped concept thought to universally ideal. Treatment plans are based on cause-oriented functional disturbances that may need to be modified by the patient’s compliance, general health and emotional status in addition to the clinician’s abilities, training and experience. 1 congratulate Drs. Alex Bumann and Ulrich Lotzmann for their outstanding efforts in providing the profession with an extremely well organized, skillfully written, and beautifully illustrated atlas. I especially appreciated their attempt to provide the reader with, wherever possible, current and complete references and, thus, add important evidenced-based literature to the field. This treatise on functional disturbances of the stomatognathic system should be required reading for anyone interested in the diagnostic process and treatment planning in dentistry in general. Additionally, the detailed chapters describing the various diagnostic functional techniques with accompanying exquisite illustrations make this an outstanding comprehensive teaching atlas in occlusion for students and clinicians.
Charles McNeill, D.D.S.
Professor of Clinical Dentistry & Director,
Center for Orofacial Pain
School of Dentistry, University of California. San Francisco
Foreword
Dr Bumann and Dr Lotzmann are two authors with an outstanding amount of information and illustrations at their disposal. Working together with Thieme, a publisher known for its ability to communicate through the use of illustrations, to produce this book has proven to be a perfect collaboration.
Imaging can play an important role in the diagnostic and treatment processes associated with orthodontic, restorative, and craniomandibular disorder patients, because finding the correct diagnosis is crucial for the development of the optimum treatment strategy as well as for the application of the appropriate treatment. This book illustrates successfully a range of complex anatomic conditions involving the maxillofacial structures through the clever use of high-quality illustrations and diagnostic images.
Nevertheless, rather than recommending diagnostic imaging as a routine procedure, the authors correctly point out that diagnostic imaging is best applied when there is a likelihood of benefiting the patient. The potential value of the use of imaging for a patient is most often determined during the physical examination and history taking. To achieve the full value of diagnostic imaging, the clinician is required to develop specific imaging goals, to select the appropriate imaging modalities, to develop an imaging protocol, and to interpret the resultant image(s). The ideal imaging solution is one which meets the clinically derived imaging goals white maintaining the lowest achievable patient risk and patient cost. The authors discuss and illustrate the most common imaging modalities available today.
Dr Bumann and Dr Lotzmann applied a “systems” approach to facilitate understanding of the functional or biomechanical relationships between the craniomandibular structures, including the jaws, teeth, muscles, and temporomandibular joints. This type of approach would seem to be a must for all clinicians interested in the restoration of occlusion or in the diagnosis and management of selected craniomandibular disorders.
This textbook illustrates a wide range of maxillofacial, musculoskeletal, and articular conditions that may be associated with crandiomandibular disorders. I was intrigued by the proposed functional analysis which produces selected diagnostic data about intracapsular conditions of the temporomandibular joints that until now have been the exclusive domain of diagnostic imaging.
The authors have created a well-illustrated textbook, detailing many of the biomechanical aspects of craniomandibular disorders. The imaging portions alone would make this a valuable reference text for all practitioners trying to understand or diagnose patients with craniomandibular disorders.
David C Hatcher. DDS. MSc, MRCD (c)
Acting Associate Professor
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Foreword
Craniomandibular disorders are a group of disorders that have their origin in the musculoskeletal structures of the masticatory system. They can present as complicated and challenging problems. Almost all dentists encounter them in their practices. In the early stages of the development of this field of study the dental profession felt that these disorders were primarily a dental problem and could most often be resolved by dental procedures. As the study of craniomandibular disorders evolved we began to appreciate the complexity and multifactorial nature that makes these disorders
