Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:05
Meal Duration as a Measure of Orofacial Nociceptive Responses in Rodents
Published on: January 10, 2014
A management approach for temporomandibular disorders
1Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales.
Australian Family Physician
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Most temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients experience successful treatment through conservative, non-invasive methods. While prevention remains challenging, identifying and eliminating aggravating factors can significantly benefit TMD and chronic headache sufferers.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pain Management
Background:
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect a significant patient population.
- Current understanding lacks methods for predicting at-risk individuals or implementing preventive therapies for TMD.
- TMD can be associated with chronic headache conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a logical, evidence-based approach to managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- To emphasize a treatment principle that avoids overtreatment and maintains patient trust.
- To highlight the potential benefits of TMD treatment for chronic headache patients.
Main Methods:
- Focus on conservative, non-invasive, and reversible treatment modalities.
- Emphasis on identifying and eliminating perpetuating and aggravating factors specific to each patient.
- Adoption of an 'escalation of therapy' principle in treatment planning.
Main Results:
- Conservative treatments demonstrate high success rates for the majority of TMD patients.
- Elimination of aggravating factors can lead to symptom improvement.
- TMD management strategies can positively impact patients with chronic headaches.
Conclusions:
- Conservative, non-invasive treatments are highly successful for most TMD patients.
- A structured 'escalation of therapy' approach is recommended for TMJ disorder management.
- Further research is needed to develop predictive and preventive strategies for TMD.
