Etiology of TMJ Disorders

Question 1

T or F:

The clinician who only looks at occlusion is missing as much as the clinician who never looks at occlusion

Answer 1

true

Question 2

what are 7 examples of structural breakdown due to masticatory system overload?

Answer 2

tooth wear, pulpitis, tooth mobility, muscle pain, TMJ pain, ear pain, and headache pain

Question 3

if occlusion plays a significant role in the etiology of TMD, should healthcare providers other than the dentist provide treatment?

Answer 3

no, only the dentist should be providing treatment and management of these disorders

Question 4

if occlusion does NOT play a role in TMD, should the dentist attempt to alter the occlusal condition?

Answer 4

no

Question 5

T or F:

there is no simple cause-and-effect relationship explaining the association between occlusion and TMD

Answer 5

true

Question 6

do occlusal conditions always lead to TMD symptoms?

Answer 6

no

Question 7

successful management of TMD is dependent upon identifying and controlling which 3 categories of contributing factors?

Answer 7

predisposing factors, initiating factors, and perpetuating factors

Question 8

what are 7 etiologic factors that contribute to TMD?

Answer 8

occlusal factors, trauma, emotional stress, deep pain input, parafunction, systemic disease, and sleep disorders

Question 9

what are some examples of acute trauma that could contribute to TMD?

Answer 9

direct impact to mandible, biting into hard foods, yawning, kissing, hyperextension of joints

Question 10

what are the two types of emotional stress?

Answer 10

unpleasant stressors and pleasant stressors

Question 11

what are the two types of stress releasing mechanisms?

Answer 11

• external (shouting, cursing, hitting, etc.)

- internal (psychophysiologic disorders, IBS, HTN, cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, increased muscle tonicity)

Question 12

prolonged exposure to emotional stressors upregulates the autonomic nervous system on a chronic basis, which can compromise the individuals ability to adapt and even to ___

Answer 12

fight disease

Question 13

deep pain input includes tooth pain, sinus pain, and ear pain, and result in altered function in the form of ___

Answer 13

protective co-contraction (muscle guarding, avoidance, protective response)

Question 14

what are 4 examples of diurnal parafunctional activities?

Answer 14

lip and cheek biting, nail biting, chewing gum, and clenching

Question 15

what are 2 examples of nocturnal parafunctional activities?

Answer 15

bruxing and clenching