Recognizing the TMJ Patient – It’s Significance to Implant and Restorative Dentistry

Recognizing the TMJ Patient – It’s Significance to Implant and Restorative Dentistry

It is well established that the ability to control the occlusal forces placed on an either an implant or tooth supported prosthesis is critical to the long term success of the restoration as well as the maintenance of the implant bone interface.

In order to be able to control occlusal forces predictably, the TMJs must be functioning properly. The TMJs are the positioning elements of the mandible during closure. If the TMJs are not stable, the occlusion will also not be stable. If the TMJs are not stable, even the best dentistry will fail.

Therefore, it is extremely important to be able to recognize the patient who has a TMJ problem upon presentation to your office. Once identified, these patients require advanced diagnostics, specifically, MRI to determine if the jaw joints are stable enough to support and sustain any proposed dental work.

Topics covered:

  • Review of Jaw Joint Anatomy
  • How To Recognize The Face And Profile Of The TMJ Patient
  • How To Recognize The Occlusion Of A TMJ Patient
  • How To Recognize The TMJ Patient From A Full Mouth Series Of X-Rays
  • How To Recognize The TMJ Patient From A Panorex X-Ray
  • How To Recognize The Patient Who Requires Further Advanced TMJ Diagnostic Imaging
  • Understand The Significance Of Basic TMJ MRI Interpretation From A Restorative Point Of View.
  • How To Recognize Pain Patterns Of The TMJ Patient,
  • How To Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME, CRPS/RSD and Its Significance To Dentistry
  • Introduction To Regional Diagnostic Nerve Blocks
For Medical, Dental and Legal Professionals

Dr. Gittelson is available to give presentations to both small group and large audiences on TMJ, CRPS, facial pain and implant related topics. These presentations can range in time from one hour to half day to full day format.

Dr. Gittelson is also available for consultation, professional opinion and expert review and testimony regarding TMJ, CRPS, facial pain and implant related issues.