Current Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Pathologies

Abstract

The current scientific knowledge of TMJ pathologies points to the importance of etiological research and the need for differential diagnosis using the most modern technological resources. Those include MRI, computed tomography, serologic studies, genetic mapping, and bioelectronic instruments which allow clinicians to study, understand, and measure respectively, the structural changes of soft and hard tissues, infections, genetic susceptibility for autoimmune diseases, and stomatognathic function. The purpose of this article is an overview of the current knowledge and related tools for the diagnosis of TMJ pathologies.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jorge A. Learreta

Dr. Jorge A. Learreta holds a Ph.D. in odontology and a masters degree in TMJ from the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. He is an honorary graduate of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP) and has a specialty in orthodontics from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Dr. Learreta is the director for Latin America for the AACP.

Jane L. F. Matos

Dr. Jane Luzia Freire Matos holds a Ph.D. in dental and maxillofacial radiology and is a specialist in radiology. She is on the faculty of radiology, Bahia Federal Dentistry University and also Fundação Bahiana para o Densenvolvimento das Ciencias. Dr. Matos is also the coordinator of the specialty program in dental and maxillofacial radiology, Brazilian Dental Association.

Marcelo Freire Matos

Dr. Marcelo F. Matos is a postgraduate in chronic pain management at UniFacs, the University of Salvador, Brazil. He is a specialist in dentistry and maxillofacial radiology and a member of the Brazilian Dental Association. He has expertise in TMJ pathology and is a member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.

Andreas C. Durst

Dr. Andreas C. Durst is a member of the mini-clinical residence program at the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP) Latin American Section. He is a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires - Argentina, member of the AACP, and the Argentinian Society of Orthodontics. He is a professor of orthodontics and is also in private practice in TMD and orthodontics.