What is the purpose of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD)?
It is a diagnostic decision tree that helps clinicians classify pain-related TMD and headaches, utilizing a structured approach based on patient history, clinical examination, and imaging.
What are the necessary findings for a diagnosis of Arthralgia (pain of joint origin) according to DC/TMD?
History: The patient reports pain in the jaw, temple, or in front of the ear, modified by jaw movement, function, or parafunction. Examination: The patient reports familiar pain during palpation of the lateral pole or during specific jaw movements (opening, lateral, or protrusive).
What are the history and examination findings required to diagnose Myalgia (pain of muscle origin)?
History: The patient reports pain in the jaw, temple, or in front of the ear, modified by jaw movement, function, or parafunction. Examination: The clinician confirms pain location in the temporalis or masseter muscles, and the patient reports familiar pain during palpation or maximum unassisted/assisted opening.
How is Disc Displacement with Reduction characterized?
By a history of TMJ noise (click, pop, or snap) during jaw movement or function. On examination, the examiner detects this noise during opening and closing.
What is the key examination finding that diagnoses Disc Displacement without Reduction with Limited Opening?
The maximum assisted opening is less than 40mm.
This is accompanied by a history of jaw locking that limits opening and interferes with eating.
How is Subluxation defined in terms of patient history?
The patient reports a history of the jaw locking in a wide open position, preventing them from closing it without a specific manipulative maneuver.
What is the worldwide prevalence of TMD in adult populations, and which demographic is identified as being at higher risk of developing orofacial pain?
The worldwide prevalence of TMD is 30% in adult populations. Women (specifically females of child-bearing age) are at a higher risk of developing orofacial pain than men.
Describe the typical quality and location of pain associated with TMD findings.
The pain is often bilateral and poorly localized. The quality of pain is typically a throbbing or dull ache and is often described as muscle tightness or tension.
How is TMD pain generally modified (aggravated and alleviated)?
Pain is aggravated by jaw function and alleviated by rest, massage, or NSAIDs.
List three conditions that are often associated with TMD.
Neck pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Identify three risk factors linked to the development of orofacial pain/TMD.
TMJ parafunction (clenching/bruxism), poor sleep and stress, and female gender.
Third molar removal is also listed as a risk factor.
Outline the four-step management approach for TMD that an OHT generally follows.
During the assessment phase, which specific mnemonic is used for taking a comprehensive pain history, and what scale is used for quantifying pain severity and its impact on daily life?
Comprehensive pain history uses the SOCRATES mnemonic. The Graded Chronic Pain Scale is used to quantify pain severity and its impact on daily life.
Detail three distinct self-care strategies an OHT would advise as part of the ‘Pain Reduction’ step.
List three examples of functional exercises an OHT instructs patients on to help regain function.
Resting posture, controlled opening exercises, and pain-free opening stretches.
What is the collective term often used for addressing both maxillary and lingual frenula?
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS).
Why should practitioners be cautious about grouping maxillary and lingual frenula under TOTS?
They function quite differently, have very different roles, and do not have the same position in terms of release and management.
Define ‘Frenulum’ (Frenina, plural).
Folds of mucous membrane that may or may not enclose muscle fibers, functioning primarily as an anchor.
What term is used to describe a restricted lingual frenum?
Ankyloglossia.
What is a Frenotomy?
Considered a partial snip of the frenum, often done at birth to provide support for feeding.
What is a Frenectomy?
The complete removal of the entire frenum.
What is a Frenuloplasty?
An alteration of the frenum involving incisions to flip the tissue to elongate it, often secured with a Z-shaped suture.
What structures does the lingual frenum connect?
The ventral surface of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
What forms the anatomical floor of the mouth beneath the tongue?
The glossus muscle (a big broad fan-based muscle).