You will also learn how you can identify, diagnose and treat specific types of TMD in your practice, that will benefit both your patients and the practice. By understanding the different diseases that make up the umbrella term TMD, a general practitioner will be able to identify and treat: Sore muscles on chewing, Limited opening, Acute Sprain of the TMJ, Osteoarthritis, Grinding and clenching of teeth.

That mysterious sound coming out of the Temporomandibular Joint will be explored. You will be better able to explain to your patients why their joints are making a clicking sound and if there is anything to worry about. Some clicks are dangerous, most are not. You will learn the clinical implications of “The Click” and how to identify dangerous clicks. Identifying patients whose condition will be made worse by dental procedures will be discussed. 

Bruxing is not a single disorder with a single treatment. You will learn how to differentiate between patients who grind their teeth, those who clench, and whether the parafunction is occurring in the day or night. You will learn several different therapies and appliances to address each of these very different diseases. You will learn to identify and treat patients who grind their teeth who also have a sleep airway issue that needs to be addressed. 

Using your own laptop (Mac or PC), we will view and manipulate images from actual MRI and CT scans. Participants will leave with the ability to order their own scans and view them on their computer, and will have an introduction to the different pathologies of the TMJ. You will learn: What a normal joint looks like on CBCT, CT and MRI scans. How to tell if a joint is healthy or damaged.

Note: Attendees are asked to bring a laptop (PC or Mac) to use during the course.