Clinical review highlights the utility of objective physiologic measurement devices in temporomandibular disorder evaluation, suggesting functional diagnostics guide reversible interventions.
Etiology and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have two schools of thought; one depends on the Axis I (physical/functional) and the other is on Axis II (biopsychosocial) as per the research diagnostic criteria for TMDs. TMDs are a group of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the structure and/or function of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), masticatory muscles, dentition, and supporting structures. The initial TMD diagnosis is based on history, clinical examination and imaging, if indicated. Diagnosis is greatly enhanced with physiologic measurement devices providing objective measurements of the functional status of the masticatory system: TMJ’s, muscles, and dental occlusion. Dental occlusion may have a significant role in TMD. Therefore, the majority of dentists treating TMD believe occlusion plays a major role. Initially, reversible TMD treatment leading to healthy masticatory muscle function and a stable occlusion is most often successful. This is accomplished using objective measurement technologies such as T-scan (digital analysis of occlusion), joint vibratography, electromyography (EMG), joint tracker, and ultra low frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Literature substantiates the scientific validity of the physical/functional basis of TMD, the efficacy of measurement devices and TENS. A scientific basis for TMD diagnosis and treatment is presented to help the clinician to diagnose the situation before planning any treatment.
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Prafulla Thumati (2016) studied this question.
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