Management of TMD

Question 1

What are the 2 treatment modalities?

Answer 1

1. Conservative (reversible, noninvasive)

2. Non conservative (Irreversible)

Question 2

What is Definitive Treatment?

Answer 2

Intended to directly eliminate or alter the cause of the disorder and its consequences.

Question 3

What is supportive therapy?

Answer 3

Directed toward altering the patients symptoms and reducing pain and dysfunction. Usually has no effect on the cause of the disorder.

• Pharmacologic Therapy
• Physical Therapy

Question 4

What type of drugs fall under Pharmacologic therapy?

Answer 4

Analgesics 
Anti inflammatory
Muscle relaxers
Anxiolytic agents
Antidepressants 
Anticonvulsant medications

Question 5

What is an occlusal appliance (Splint)?

Answer 5

Hard acrylic, removable device that fits over occlusal and incisal surfaces.

• Bite guard
• Night Guard
• Interocclusal appliance
• Orthopedic device

Question 6

What are the 3 uses of the Occlusal appliances?

Answer 6

1. Temporarily provide a more oath-pedically stable position.
2. To introduce an optimum functional occlusion that reorganizes the neuromuscular reflex activity.
3. To protect teeth and supportive structures from abnormal forces that may create breakdown or occlusal wear.

Question 7

Research indicates that occlusal appliance therapy is successful in reducing ______ of TMD symptoms.

Answer 7

70%-90%

Question 8

Occlusal appliances reduce _______ muscle activity, hence they reduce _______ pain.

Answer 8

Parafunctional muscle activity

Myogenous pain

Question 9

What are the 5 common features to all occlusal appliance s?

Answer 9

1. Temporary alteration of occlusal condition.
2. Alteration of the Condylar position.
3. Increase in vertical dimension
4. Cognitive awareness
5. Placebo effect.

Question 10

6 types of occlusal appliances…what are they?

Answer 10

1. Stabilization appliance
2. Anterior positioning appliance
3. Posterior bite plane
4. Anterior bite plane
5. Pivoting appliance
6. Soft (Resilient) appliance