Advanced Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry and Oral Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 March 2026 | Viewed by 1572

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Dental Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
Interests: orthodontics; mini implants; multidisciplinary treatment
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Guest Editor Assistant
Faculty of Medicine, Dimitrie Cantemir University, Bodoni Sandor, 3-5, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Interests: temporomandibular disorders; orofacial pain; orthodontics; TMJ imaging (CBCT); occlusal trauma; conservative therapy; dental anxiety; muscle relaxation; interdisciplinary dentistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and orofacial pain represent a complex group of conditions involving the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, occlusal relationships, and associated neurovascular structures. These disorders not only affect oral function but are closely linked to psychosocial, biomechanical, and systemic factors, making their diagnosis and management a true interdisciplinary challenge.

Recent research highlights a bidirectional relationship between TMDs and contributing factors such as psychological stress, parafunctional habits like bruxism, impacted third molars, and occlusal trauma. Emerging diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatment approaches, including splint therapy, muscle relaxation techniques, and digital occlusal analysis, have significantly expanded therapeutic possibilities and clinical outcomes.

This Special Issue aims to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic innovations, and integrated treatment strategies related to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and orofacial pain. Individualized, evidence-based management strategies are achieving both functional recovery and a better quality of life in these patients.

We invite researchers, clinicians, and interdisciplinary professionals to submit original research articles and systematic reviews that address current challenges, novel methodologies, or translational approaches in this evolving area of dental medicine.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Mariana Pacurar
Guest Editor

Dr. Sorana Maria Bucur
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • temporomandibular disorders
  • orofacial pain
  • bruxism
  • occlusal trauma
  • TMJ imaging
  • interdisciplinary treatment

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 548 KB  
Article
Prevalence and Patterns of Oral Behaviors in Romanian Adults: An Exploratory Study
by Alexandra Lavinia Vlad, Olivia Andreea Marcu, Ioana Scrobota, Ioan Andrei Țig, Raluca Ortensia Cristina Iurcov and Gabriela Ciavoi
Medicina 2025, 61(10), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101857 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Harmful repetitive oral behaviors impose an excessive load on the stomatognathic system. Being unconscious and involuntary, patients are often unaware of their occurrence and, consequently, of their potential consequences. We aimed to screen the Romanian population for harmful oral habits, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Harmful repetitive oral behaviors impose an excessive load on the stomatognathic system. Being unconscious and involuntary, patients are often unaware of their occurrence and, consequently, of their potential consequences. We aimed to screen the Romanian population for harmful oral habits, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of employing validated and internationally accepted diagnostic instruments for a better approach to these conditions. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive study was conducted on 459 adults, recruited through a multiregional convenience sampling from the general population in Romania. Oral behaviors were assessed using the validated Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC-21) questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The sample included 363 women (79.1%) and 96 men (20.9%), with a mean age of 33.3 years. The mean total OBC score was 22.45 ± 10.27, indicating a moderate prevalence of oral behaviors. 60.1% of participants were classified as low-risk and 39.9% as high-risk, with none in the no-risk category. The most frequently reported behaviors were sleeping positions exerting pressure on the mandible (57.7% “very often”), sustained talking (11.3%), and nocturnal bruxism (10.5%). Younger adults (20–49 years) presented significantly higher OBC scores compared to both younger extremes (18 years) and older adults (>60 years) (p < 0.001). No significant gender differences were observed in total OBC scores; however, unilateral chewing, sustained talking, and holding objects between the teeth were significantly more frequent among women (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate oral behaviors in a Romanian adult population. Postural and involuntary activities were the most prevalent and age influenced OBC scores, while gender differences were limited to individual behaviors. Conducting screening and implementing therapeutic interventions based on the assessed level of risk could enhance the overall management of the condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain)
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