This chapter deals with the need for a basic understanding of the normal anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the temporomandibular joint and mandibular muscles, which is essential not only for an understanding of the disease processes involved in TMDs but also for an appreciation of treatment objectives.
Chapter 3: Articulatory system examination
This chapter discusses clinical examination and is indispensable! It outlines an easy yet comprehensive examination routine that should be employed for all your patients, not just those with a TMD.
Chapter 4: I've got ‘TMJ’
This chapter illustrates a classic history of a common TMD in a patient who thinks that she knows best. This highlights the importance of critical evaluation of the information (baggage) that a patient might bring to the consultation.
Chapter 5: I've got a clicking joint
This represents the most common condition about which you will be asked. Does a click need treatment? This raises your awareness of the need for treatment and the different treatment options for a commonplace complaint.
Chapter 6: I've got a locking joint
Joint locking can be acute or long‐standing. Intervention is often necessary, but how and when? The various options are discussed, as is their practical relevance. We explore the range of options from ‘doing nothing’ to ‘surgery’.
Chapter 7: I've got a grating joint
Degenerative joint disease in the temporomandibular joint is very different from disease in the hip. Nature has a part to play, but we can intervene to make life more tolerable for the person with the condition. Learn about the cyclical nature of this condition and its ramifications.
Chapter 8: You've changed my bite
The possibility of introducing iatrogenic changes to a patient's bite is quite real and can have immediate consequences. Avoidance of the problem is the best approach but to do this you must be aware of the potential pitfalls in restorative care.
Chapter 9: I've got pain in my face
Differential diagnosis is often a complex procedure but must not be avoided. You must avoid tunnel vision and keep an open mind about a patient's complaint no matter how badly explained or difficult to follow. Facial pain is a minefield of potential diagnoses and must be approached logically.
Chapter 10: I've got a dislocated jaw
Although true dislocation is rare, immediate action gives your patient (and you) the best chance of resolving the problem. Learn how to differentiate dislocation from other conditions and how to manage the acute case.
Chapter 11: My teeth are worn
Management of tooth surface loss is a complex treatment, but some straightforward rules will help in diagnosis of the cause, monitoring of the situation, and its management.
Chapter 12: I've got a headache
Headache is a very complex condition even to diagnose. The relationship of headache to TMD is explored, as is the role of the dentist in treating patients whose primary complaint is headache.
Chapter 13: I've got whiplash
Nowadays litigation, especially in relation to road traffic accidents, is commonplace. TMD can be caused by a ‘whiplash‐type’ injury. Make sure that your examination of such a patient is comprehensive and that you are able to produce the necessary records on demand. Be aware that a TMD can become apparent immediately after an accident as well as becoming evident some time later.
Chapter 14: What's of use to me in practice?
You must be aware of what is available and useful in general practice. There is little point in a costly treatment plan being developed if the patient cannot afford it. Similarly provision of a splint that you know your patient will not wear is pointless. This gives guidelines towards accessing the best treatment for your patient and when to employ it.
Chapter 15: You and the lawyer
Litigation is never too far away! Although you should not practise ‘litigation dentistry’ because this is not in your patient's best interests, you should be aware of the common pitfalls. Above all else maintain good records and good communication, and do not over‐reach your abilities.
Chapter 16: The referral letter
A good referral letter is of great help to the specialist. A poor referral letter is a waste of everyone's time and can, on occasion, be embarrassing for all.
Chapter 17: How to make a splint
This is a ‘how‐to‐do’ chapter. It is important for you to know what the technician does from impression taking to delivering the splint back to you ready for insertion and fitting. The patient will often ask about this and appreciate an explanation.
Chapter 18: Bruxism: Current knowledge of aetiology and management
This chapter deals with the most updated information about the postulated theories of aetiology and management of bruxism. New definitions and outcomes of recent international consensus are always discussed.
Chapter 19: Splint therapy for the management of TMD patients: An evidence‐based approach
The effectiveness of splint therapy for the management of TMD and Bruxism have been discussed in this chapter. The results of the most updated randomized controlled trials and systematic review have been discussed.
Chapter 20: Patient information
This chapter contains general patient information, in template form, that you might like to use for imparting patient advice when appropriate.
Appendix I: Flowcharts
This chapter contains 13 flowcharts which summarise some essential concepts in the management of a TMD. A reference for each relevant chart has been indicated in the text.
Appendix II: Glossary of terms
This is more of a dictionary of terms than merely a glossary of terms used in this book. This provides the reader with a ‘TMD and occlusion’ dictionary.
This chapter identifies the relevant terms from the glossary of prosthodontic terms published regularly in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Additional terms are added from the book A Clinical Guide to Temporomandibular Disorders, BDJ Publications, 1997.
Appendix III: Short answer questions
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