Meeting abstract
Occlussion and Other Factors of Importance for Temporomandibular Disorders/TMD
G.E. Carlsson
Abstract
The relationship between occlusal factors and the health of the masticatory system has been one of the most controversial areas in dentistry. For many years the dental profession believed that occlusal interferences would lead to TMD. However, this opinion has gradually weakened since there is a lack of convincing evidence supporting
this relationship. Several treatments not related to dental occlusion have also proved to be effective in management of TMD. At present, most so-called TMD experts deemphasize the importance of occlusion in the etiology of TMD, whereas a majority of practitioners still adhere to a concept focusing on occlusal factors in diagnosis and treatment of TMD. This controversy has sometimes become very dramatic, especially in the USA. It is well established that simple reversible therapy is efficient for helping a majority of TMD patients. Even if most studies have failed to find any close correlation between
occlusal factors and TMD signs and symptoms, occlusion cannot be neglected as it plays an important role for comfort and function of the masticatory system. There is an obvious need for continuing research on the relationship between the occlusion and TMD using strict, evidencebased study methods in order to improve patient management. A search of the current literature on TMD will
be presented.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
10021
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2002.
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