Today we are joined by North Carolina-based oral maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Ben Hechler to discuss all things TMD/TMJ. Dr. Hechler shares his philosophies on treating TMD and performing TMJ surgery, as well as some intricate treatment details. We learn about his standardized TMD/TMJ examination and diagnosis process, and how he determines whether a patient qualifies for TMJ surgery. Dr. Hechler breaks down the conservative non-surgical TMD treatments available to patients and how to manage long-term TMD-related problems for patients. In the case of arthroplasty, post-surgery care and counseling are essential and this episode outlines how best to provide that for your patients, along with the outcomes of a successful surgery. Tune in as we cover the basics of TMD, from the pathology to the treatment and beyond! Dr. Hechler also provides great insight into how to prepare for the oral board exam, the benefits of early arthrocentesis, and much more. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Ben Hechler’s standardized TMD/TMJ examination and diagnosis process.
• How to identify extracapsular versus intracapsular problems.
• How Dr. Hechler determines whether a patient qualifies for TMJ surgery.
• Alternative non-surgical TMD treatments.
• The benefits of early arthrocentesis.
• In which cases post-arthrocentesis adjunctive physiotherapy should be considered.
• How to curb/manage long-term TMD-related problems for patients.
• Causes of TMD and who is at a higher risk.
• What to do in the case of unsuccessful arthrocentesis.
• Under what circumstances further surgery is necessary.
• When arthroplasty/ joint replacement is appropriate.
• The purpose of performing an eminectomy.
• Post-surgery care and counseling for arthroplasty patients.
• The outcomes of a successful surgery.
• The role of the oral maxillofacial surgeon when dealing with non-surgical candidates.
• The challenges of treating non-surgical TMD patients.
• The common pathology present in the joints of TMD patients.
• The interesting disease process of PVNS.
• Dr. Hechler’s advice for those preparing for the oral board exam.
• Hypo- versus hypermobility problems.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Ben Hechler — https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/benjamin-l-hechler-md-dds

Dr. Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/

DC/TMD updated guidelines — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4478082/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

KLS Martin portable headlight batteries coupon code KLSPHL — https://www.klsmartin.com/en/products/headlights/