The role of the general practitioner in restoring patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Treatment of temporomandibular joint pain, resulting from occlusal dysfunction, is divided into two phases. First, occlusal splint therapy is used to eliminate the initial signs and symptoms and to achieve stability in centric relation. In the second phase of treatment the occlusion is adjusted and, if indicated, restored by means of crown and bridge procedures. Casts, properly mounted in a semi-adjustable articulator, with the lower cast mounted in centric relation, can be extremely helpful for an occlusal analysis and a diagnostic occlusal adjustment in the articulator. Each occlusal adjustment procedure in the mouth should be preceded by an initial study, occlusal analysis and occlusal adjustment on articulator mounted casts. The two main criteria for restoring the occlusion are: maximum intercuspation occurring in centric relation and disocclusion of the posterior teeth during excursive movements by means of anterior guidance. Patients with a history of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction usually have a limited adaptive capacity of even the smallest occlusal imperfection. In order to cope with the occlusal restoration of patients with such a low level of occlusal tolerance the final crowns and bridges should be cemented temporarily for a period of at least 3 months. A matt gold surface will be very helpful to locate undesirable occlusal contacts during temporary cementation.     

Diagnosis and classification of orofacial pain by dental and general practitioners

Dental practitioners as well as general practitioners are frequently confronted with patients complaining of pain in the orofacial region. Diagnosing these pains often poses a challenge to the clinician. Currently, the diagnosis of orofacial pains is biaxial. In determining a diagnosis, it is important to consider, in addition to the condition which is causing the pain (axis I-diagnosis), the impact of the pain on the patient's ability to function (axis II-diagnosis). The compilation of a thorough medical history represents the most important diagnostic tool and basis for clinical examination. Based on the axis I-diagnosis several treatment options are suggested; the strategy for managing the pain is, however, largely determined by the axis II-diagnosis.     

Post-academic dental specialties 6. Gnathology: profile and competencies of the specialist in temporomandibular disorders and the general dental practitioner

The guiding principle in postgraduate programmes is to enable dentists to build on and extend the competencies acquired in the basic academic programme. This requires the examination and treatment of sufficient numbers of patients. Given the incidence and prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain, basic academic training will be limited to referral or to diagnosing and treating acute and non-complex cases, whereas the specialist in temporomandibular disorders(TMD) will focus especially on chronic temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain, in a multidisciplinary setting. In case of orofacial pain, the general dental practitioner is the obvious person to determine if there may be odontogenic causes. The specialist in TMD can either advise the general practitioner or coordinate the patient's care him- or herself. In order to be able to perform well within a (partly medical) multidisciplinary setting there is a need for differentiated education, above and beyond the basic academic curriculum. The competencies of the specialist in TMD should comprise care in a broad sense, providing evidence-based care and educating patients, being able to work well within an organization, clinical reasoning and professional development through life-long learning and teaching. The specialist in TMD may either work in private practice or in special dental care clinics.