Key Points
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All patients should routinely be asked about TMD symptoms such as clicks, locking or pain before treatment commences.
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Signs of parafunctional activity should be recorded and an occlusal examination in dynamic and static relationships should be noted.
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Treatment of TMD such as occlusal adjustments are highly contentious and need to be regarded with some caution.
Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders can arise apparently idiopathically, as a result of macro-trauma or micro-trauma such as parafunction, as a result of a separate disease process or as a consequence of dental treatment. The objectives of this chapter are to make the practitioner aware of his/her responsibilities in any of these situations. Precise record keeping and careful risk management are essential. Guidelines are given to protect not only the practitioner but also the patient.
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Gray, R., Al-Ani, Z. Risk management in clinical practice. Part 8. Temporomandibular disorders. Br Dent J 209, 433–449 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.981
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.981
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