A Multidisciplinary Approach on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Orofacial Pain Associated to Temporomandibular Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

The application of techniques that can assist the modulation of orofacial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is an emerging field in the area of dentistry. TMD can involve the presence of pain or dysfunction in certain areas of the cranio-cervico-mandibular complex (CCMC), such as the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and associated structures like the postural muscles of the cervical region.  Understanding the comorbidity of orofacial pain associated with TMD and other pain conditions is fundamental to obtaining a correct diagnosis related to the patient symptomatology, since TMD is the main cause of nondental pain in the orofacial region.The etiology of TMD can be multifactorial, with contributing factors such as trauma and pathophysiologic, anatomic, and psychosocial aspects. Complementary examinations methods for its diagnosis may be used when indicated, such as imaging of hard and soft tissues, e.g., through panoramic X-ray, tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or infrared thermography. Therefore, an oral health professional can understand the boundaries and scope of his/her clinical action when implementing a treatment plan that may adopt different kinds of approaches.These facts can have a huge impact in terms of public health, where orofacial pain associated with TMD should be treated within the scope and attention of a multidisciplinary group.

Prof. Dr. Joaquim Gabriel Mendes
Prof. Dr. José Manuel Amarante
Prof. Dr. Afonso Pinhão Ferreira
Prof. Dr. Miguel Pais Clemente
Guest Editors

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