The temporomandibular disorder patient is regularly seen in general dental practice. They often present with long and detailed histories of pain, headaches, clicking, diet limitations and sometimes significant restriction in mouth opening. The aetiology can be associated with degenerative changes, trauma and auto-immune diseases similar to any other joint in the body. Despite this the temporomandibular joint across the health industry is considered a dental problem rather than an orthopedic one. This lecture will cover temporomandibular disorders, investigations, management and appropriate referral pathways.
- What’s changed in the last 30 years? - What is and is not a temporomandibular disorder - Management of the temporomandibular joint. - Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty and Total Joint Replacement. - What can be done in the dental clinic to help your patients. - When to refer these patients and to who.
Liam Moore is a college trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon working privately in the Christchurch area and in the public sector throughout New Zealand. While practicing the full scope of the specialty in the public sector, privately he has a large focus on temporomandibular joint disorders, TMJ arthroscopy and total joint replacement.
