A Clinician’s guide to TMD Management

Walkthrough of the latest TMD Guidelines with the authors!

What’s the right approach when a patient presents with both acute and chronic painful jaw symptoms?

How can the latest RCS guidelines simplify your diagnosis and treatment process?

In this episode, Professor Justin Durham and Mrs. Emma Beecroft join Jaz to unpack the latest Royal College of Surgeons TMD guidelines designed specifically to help GDPs navigate these tricky cases. Together, they explore practical strategies for managing TMD, breaking down the step-by-step flowchart that makes handling these cases less intimidating.

From understanding the key principles to applying them in everyday practice, this episode will help you feel more confident in delivering better patient care for TMD.

https://youtu.be/R0NaBJr5g5E

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Protrusive Dental Pearl: Important takeaway: Download the New TMD Guidelines 

The folder includes:

A patient version of the guidelines

A dentist version of the guidelines

The full guidelines document

Video of delivering an equilibrated soft bite guard using heat technique

Key Takeaways:

The guidelines for TMD are designed to simplify diagnosis and treatment.

Self-management is crucial for TMD patients and can lead to better outcomes.

Understanding the difference between muscle and joint pain is essential in TMD management.

Early intervention in TMD can lead to significant improvements for patients.

The importance of patient-centered care in managing TMD effectively.

TMD is a common issue that requires a collaborative approach among dental professionals.

The role of pain management in TMD is about improving quality of life, not just curing the condition.

Continuous education and training are vital for dental professionals dealing with TMD. Understanding the pathogenesis of TMD is crucial for effective treatment.

Stabilization splints can provide relief but should be used judiciously.

Effective communication can significantly impact patient pain experiences.

Tailoring treatment to individual patient needs is vital.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Highlights for this episode:

00:48 Protrusive Dental Pearl

05:20 Introducing the Guests: Prof. Justin Durham and Mrs. Emma Beecroft

13:05 Stigma and Complexity of TMD in Dentistry

17:01 Challenges of Navigating TMD Treatment Perspectives

22:07 Diagnosing TMD: Tools and Techniques

27:09 Simplified Approach to TMD Examination

30:54 Muscle Palpation Pressure 

32:20 Acute Limited Opening: Muscle vs. Joint Origin

40:20 Diazepam for Acute Myogenous TMD

54:58 Debating Soft vs. Stabilization Splints

57:17 Patient-Centered TMD Management

01:09:28 Conclusion and Resources

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 200 OROFACIAL PAIN (Diagnosis and treatment)

Dentists will be able to -

Explore the varied approaches to TMD care and how to align them with evidence-based practices.

Emphasize the importance of self-management strategies and their role in improving patient outcomes.

Advocate for a patient-centered approach, focusing on listening, communication, and individualized care plans.

If you loved this episode, be sure to check out this episode: TMD Full Exam with ‘The TMJ Doc’ Dr Priya Mistry – PDP064

Click below for full episode transcript:

Teaser: A standard extroral exam involves, the examination of temporalis and masseter, which are the only two muscles that international recommendations would suggest.

Teaser:So you don't need to bother with that lateral pterygoid because you've got to be, have a bit of a strange finger to reach it, firstly up and around the back of the tuberosity and not evoke kind of vomit on your shoes.

And a medial pterygoid similarly,