title: Initial management of temporomandibular disorders.
abstract: The existing dental literature does not support the superiority of any one type of treatment to manage TMD. Few studies meet rigorous scientific standards of the randomized clinical trial. This has led to enormous controversy. The initial management of TMD does not have to be controversial. Noninvasive, reversible modalities can be employed that carry very little risk and a high degree of success (Table 4). The success rate of this approach has been studied and determined to be 75% to 90%. Of course, not every patient will get better with this approach. For those who do not improve more advanced techniques must be used, and referral to specialists in TMD, neurology, and rehabilitation medicine may be required. A few patients will need surgery. Initial treatment of TMD requires relatively simple modalities, such as patient education, adherence to a soft diet, reducing oral habits, self-directed home physical therapy, muscle relaxation, the use of medication, and the proper use of bite plates. The majority of TMD patients will respond successfully to these basic treatments.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Columbia University, Weil Medical College, USA.
authors.forename: Steven B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Syrop
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002012:Bruxism / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019558:Occlusal Adjustment; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents