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Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Patient Care Challenges—2nd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2026 | Viewed by 3967

Editors

Prof. Dr. Monika Lukomska-Szymanska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of General Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92213 Lodz, Poland
Interests: dental materials; dental instruments; antimicrobial properties; chemical properties; mechanical properties; adhesive systems; CAD/CAM technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Klara Saczuk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of General Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Łódź, 90-419 Łódź, Poland
Interests: bruxism; masticatory muscles; personality; coping mechanisms; diagnostics; treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is my pleasure to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue entitled "Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Patient Care Challenges—2nd Edition". This is a new volume; we published 5 papers in the first volume. For more details, please visit: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jcm/special_issues/diagnosing_treatment_temporomandibular_disorders.

Every day there is new research concerning temporomandibular disorders. A thorough examination and diagnosis are crucial in both researching and discussing issues pertaining to TMD and orofacial pain. Moreover, both the treatment and management of those issues are uniquely complex. It involves not only dentistry but also physiotherapy along with elements of psychology and psychotherapy.

A complex and multidisciplinary approach to both diagnosing and treating all issues under the scope of temporomandibular disorders is still a current discussion. Even though polysomnography with audio and video recordings remains the “gold standard” in diagnosing sleep bruxism and muscle activity, electromyographic (EMG) examination of muscle activity, sometimes combined with an electrocardiogram (ECG), proved to be promising as well. Moreover, a detailed temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles examination by palpation can also be a viable option, along with a specific questionnaire. The treatment and management of these conditions involve splint therapy combined with physiotherapy, especially manual therapy. Furthermore, it is recommended to use relaxation techniques and biofeedback along with therapy or counseling for a more holistic approach.

This Special Issue will focus on a multidisciplinary approach to temporomandibular disorders. Papers pertaining to diagnosing and possible treatment options of temporomandibular disorders, masticatory muscle tension, and fatigue with regard to patient care challenges are encouraged.

Both reviews and research on the subject are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Monika Lukomska-Szymanska
Guest Editor

Dr. Klara Saczuk
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • multidisciplinary approach
  • mental health
  • bruxism
  • masticatory muscles
  • temporomandibular joint
  • orofacial pain
  • temporomandibular disorders

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 287 KB  
Article
The Impact of Complex Oral Rehabilitation on TMJ and Postural Alterations in Patients with Scapulohumeral Fractures
by Ovidiu Stamatin, Ana Maria Carina Balcos, Tudor Hamburda, Maria Antonela Beldiman, Vlad Stefan Proca, Violina Budu, Liana Aminov, Laura Elisabeta Checherita, Bogdan Petru Bulancea, Eşanu Irina Mihaela, Norin Forna and Ana Elena Sîrghe
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3597; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103597 - 8 May 2026
Viewed by 313
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are prevalent conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated musculature, arising from a complex interplay of biomechanical, neuromuscular, and psychosocial factors. Increasing evidence supports functional interconnections among the TMJ, cervical spine, and shoulder girdle, suggesting that dysfunction [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are prevalent conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated musculature, arising from a complex interplay of biomechanical, neuromuscular, and psychosocial factors. Increasing evidence supports functional interconnections among the TMJ, cervical spine, and shoulder girdle, suggesting that dysfunction in one region may influence others; however, these relationships remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between scapulohumeral trauma, postural abnormalities, and TMDs, and to assess their evolution following interdisciplinary rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study with prospective follow-up was conducted in patients with scapulohumeral fractures associated with TMD and postural abnormalities. Postural parameters and the clinical features of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were evaluated at baseline and follow-up using a structured clinical assessment informed by the DC/TMD framework, together with clinical examination, electromyographic analysis, and mandibular mobility measurements. Postural evaluation was performed using digital baropodometric analysis (Free Med™ platform with FreeStep™ software, standard Medica sensor, Rome, Italy. Patients received individualized multidisciplinary treatment, including orthopaedic rehabilitation, occlusal splint therapy, physiotherapy (twice weekly), pharmacological management, and odonto-periodontal care. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). Results: Significant postural improvement was observed (p < 0.01), with the proportion of patients with normal posture increasing from 0% to 22.2% and the proportion with moderate forward lean decreasing from 53.3% to 15.6%. TMD severity decreased progressively across evaluations (Friedman χ2 = 72.35, p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups with respect to postural outcomes, although descriptive differences in TMD improvement were observed at later evaluation points. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary rehabilitation was associated with significant improvements in both postural alignment and TMD severity. Scapulohumeral trauma may be associated with alterations in TMJ function and overall posture, while multimodal therapy supports functional recovery. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Patient Care Challenges—2nd Edition)
11 pages, 1763 KB  
Article
The Effect of Selective Occlusal Adjustment on the Disclusion Time Reduction and Symmetry of Occlusal Contacts of the Own Dentition Using Digital Occlusion Analysis in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders
by Wojciech Maga, Martyna Schönborn and Małgorzata Pihut
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 7007; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14197007 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1721
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Occlusal disturbances occurring during central occlusion, mandibular movements and mastication may contribute to the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). To reduce the disclusion time (DT) in all mandibular contacts, a procedure known as enameloplasty can be applied. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Occlusal disturbances occurring during central occlusion, mandibular movements and mastication may contribute to the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). To reduce the disclusion time (DT) in all mandibular contacts, a procedure known as enameloplasty can be applied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of occlusion-correcting treatments on disclusion time reduction, determination of the center of force, and the distribution of masticatory forces on the right and left side, through digital occlusal analysis in patients with TMD. Methods: The single-centered, prospective study including 106 patients with TMD after 6 months of prosthetic treatment. Digital occlusal analysis was performed before and after the enameloplasty to assess occlusion time, disclusion time and symmetry of occlusal contacts. Results: Selective enameloplasty significantly reduced disclusion time in the whole study population (0.8 vs. 0.4 s; p < 0.001), with greater improvement observed in patients with inappropriate Center of Force (COF) and premature occlusal contacts. Conclusions: Digital occlusal analysis-guided selective enameloplasty effectively reduces disclusion time and can improve occlusal parameters in TMD patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Patient Care Challenges—2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 423 KB  
Article
Assessing the Reliability of Compliance with the General Treatment Recommendations by Patients Treated for Temporomandibular Disorders
by Małgorzata Pihut, Wojciech Maga and Andrzej Gala
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(18), 6674; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14186674 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 902
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of TMD patients’ adherence to treatment recommendations, given in writing, based on an anonymous survey. Methods: The study material included a group of 80 patients of both sexes, aged 21 to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of TMD patients’ adherence to treatment recommendations, given in writing, based on an anonymous survey. Methods: The study material included a group of 80 patients of both sexes, aged 21 to 45 years, who came for prosthetic treatment due to symptoms of TMD at the Department of Prosthetics and Orthodontics, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow. Axis I of the DC/TMD was used in the diagnosis of dysfunction. The study used an anonymous questionnaire survey, which asked specific questions regarding the reliability of the implementation of the therapeutic recommendations contained in the written treatment instructions, given to patients at the first diagnostic visit. The questionnaire survey was completed by patients once, at the second visit, which was routinely made after 4 weeks. Results: The analysis showed that the most frequent adherence of respondents was to physiotherapy treatments. The same number of patients (57.5% each) used sleep hygiene, stress management, and maintenance of dental arch dislocation during the day. More than half of the subjects used orthopaedic pillows during sleep and performed daily relaxation exercises. Less than half of the subjects (46.3–47.5%) used hot compresses on the masticatory muscles, took prescribed supplements, controlled the position of the jaw, and used an occlusal splint at the required time. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate a low percentage of adherence to the recommendations made by the doctor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Patient Care Challenges—2nd Edition)
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