[Chronic temporomandibular disorders]

According to the 3rd German Oral Health Study (1999), the prevalence of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is about 5%. Although limited information about the magnitude of utilization of health care services and expenses for health care in temporomandibular pain patients is available, the financial burden of affected individuals may be considerable. The etiology and pathophysiology of chronic TMDs is still obscure. However, certain (patho)physiological mechanisms may be associated with the genesis and perpetuation of these musculoskeletal facial pains (e. g. disturbances in central nervous system processing; psychosocial factors; hormonal influences). Strong scientific evidence from the dental/medical literature is currently available for the following forms of TMD treatment and management: occlusal appliances (stabilization appliance), clonazepam, diazepam, meprobamate, EMG biofeedback, multimodal approaches (somatic and psychological pain management).