OVERVIEW

Temporomandibular Disorders: Etiology and Management Considerations is organized by MetLife.

Originally published: August 2014
Updated and revised: December 2020
Expiration date: December 2023

Description:
In a general population survey involving 805 individuals having a persistent pain disorder, it was revealed that more than four out of 10 people had not found adequate relief, saying their pain is out of control— despite having the pain for more than 5 years and switching doctors at least once. Therefore, it should not be a surprise the most common reason patients seek medical or dental care in the United States is due to pain. Lipton and
others, in a study of 45,711 households, revealed that 22% of the U.S. population experienced orofacial pain on more than one occasion in a 6 month period. Odontogenic pain was the most frequently reported condition. Non-odontogenic pain involving the orofacial region such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, face pain,
and neuropathic conditions were also commonly reported. Since each pain disorder is unique, establishing an accurate and complete differential diagnosis is fundamental. It is mandatory that dental practitioners develop the necessary scientific and clinical expertise on which he/she may base diagnostic and management approaches.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is currently viewed as a group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that involve the TMJs, the masticatory muscles, and all associated tissues.TMD has been identified as one of the
most common non-odontogenic pain complaints and is the second most frequent cause of musculoskeletal pain and limitation, only preceded by low back pain. Population-based studies indicate the prevalence of TMD-related pain is 12%. The National Institutes of Health reported that 10 million Americans suffer from TMD-related complaints each year.

Educational Objectives:
Following this unit of instruction, the learner should be able to:
• Recognize the common signs and symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
• Understand the differences between myelogenous and androgenous TMD.
• Appreciate the controversy associated with the etiology of, and the etiological factors related to, TMD.
• Understand the multifaceted nature of TMD leading to management considerations using multi-disciplinary approaches designed on a case-specific basis.