The clinician's objective for every TMD patient is to complete a thorough history and examination and to arrive at an accurate, biologically-specific diagnosis for the individual patient. Individualized patient treatment, based on a specific diagnosis, greatly enhances efficient and effective treatment. While many imaging and treatment options are available for managing TMJ disorders, all patients should not be subjected to the same protocol.

These case studies, organized by diagnostic categories, describe the patient's presenting signs and symptoms, the individualized treatment protocols, and a summary of the treatment outcomes. These examples are intended to be educational. They should not be used as formulas for treating patients in your practice.

CLINICAL CASES by
DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORIES

Patient Type 1
Masticatory Muscle Disorders

Patient Type 2
Capsular and Attachment Tissue Disorders
(Joint Sprain and/or Joint Hypermobility Disorders)

Patient Type 3
Disc Displacement with Reduction – No Joint Pain
(minimal or no disc interference)

Patient Type 4
Disc Displacement with Reduction – With Joint Pain
(minimal or no disc interference)

Patient Type 5
Disc Catching with Reduction
(with or without pain)

Patient Type 6
Disc Displacement without Reduction
(Joint locking)

Patient Type 7
TMJ Arthropathies

Patient Type 8
Aberration in Form