Temporomandibular Disorder: a practical guide for dental practitioners in diagnosis and management

Temporomandibular disorder is a broad term encompassing pain and/or dysfunction of the masticatory musculature and the temporomandibular joints. Pain arising from a temporomandibular disorder is a common reason for seeking dental care. It is essential that dental practitioners are able to accurately diagnose and manage this condition. Identifying people at highest risk of developing a temporomandibular disorder and knowing which procedures are more likely to initiate or exacerbate a temporomandibular disorder, are important to reduce the likelihood of its acute and chronic presentation. The aim of this paper is to provide the dental practitioner with a clinical guideline for reference including practical tools to examine, diagnose and manage patients with temporomandibular disorder. In addition the risk profile of patients and procedures is explored to help minimize the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders and mitigate its symptoms. The scope of the dental practitioner in the management of acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders is presented, with guidance about when referral to a specialist is indicated.