TMJ Treatment Modalities, Devices and Tests

Phase I TMJ Treatment Modalities, Devices and Tests Available

Position Paper/ Journal of Craniomandibular Practice CRANIO, under the auspice of the American Academy of Head, Neck, Facial Pain & TMJ Orthopedics, “Standards for the History, Examination, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)”, Volume 8, Number 1, January 1990.

• Intra-Oral Orthotics (Splints, NTI, Aqulizers, etc.)
• High Voltage Stimulation (High Voltage Electrogalvanic Stimulation)
• Laser therapy
• Acupuncture
• Ultrasound
• Iontophoresis
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
• Moist Heat
• Injection Therapy
• Manual Therapy
• Pharmacologic Agents
• Biofeedback
• Psychotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiofrequency Thermoneurolysis (Peripheral Neurosurgical Denervation)
• Occlusal Equilibration (Coronoplasty)

To patients who clench at night prescription drugs are commonly prescribed.
To patients who are emotional, prescription drugs are also commonly prescribed.

SCIENTIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR VALIDITY OF MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTATION AND PROTOCOL

Because of the confusion within the TMD community as to what approach, method,  modality and or device is appropriate to implement in treating TMD problems it is prudent that the clinician test and gather the necessary diagnostics in order to identify the type, combination and severity of the following problems: 1) masticatory dysfunction, 2) temporomandibular joint derangement and 3) temporomandibular pain involved. Subjective assessments seems to be the common norm, but this author realizes that subjective assessment is not good enough.

“GNM is the only measured approach that is challenging all dentists to be physiologically accountable to a high level of precision and details in the quality of the occlusal finish and mandibular function.”

GNM Process is Specific:

GNM has specific processes that are not easily conveyed because it involves the correct and detailed process of:

1. Finding and establishing a correct physiologic mandibular position in 6 dimensions.
2. Detailed adjusting of the anatomical orthotic in a detailed and specific manner.
3. The clinicians understanding of the gnathic movements of the patient’s jaw, head and neck, etc. and
4. Understanding how to objectively measure, record, identify and interpret the data relating to the specific occlusal problems.

That is what is necessary for most TMD cases the GNM dentists treat.
Read More: Measuring Technology Passes the Validity and Reliability Criteria  

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Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. — Founder and Director, Occlusion Connections | Las Vegas, Nevada