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Temporomandibular disorders. Part 6: related irreversible restorative interventions Martin James Charles Crawford Peter Clarke Funmi Oluwajana Emma Foster-Thomas Julian Satterthwaite Dental Update 2024 49:9, 707-709.
Authors
MartinJames
Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester
BDS, MSc, PhD, PGDip, PGCertHE, FDS, MFDS RCS, FDS(Rest Dent), FHEA, FADM, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, University of Manchester
Considering the complex biopsychosocial nature of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), irreversible interventions of any kind should be used with extreme caution. Frequently they are reserved for those patients who have not achieved adequate control with reversible measures and in whom a significant improvement is anticipated. Irreversible restorative interventions range from the simple adjustment of a single restoration or tooth up to an occlusal equilibration, and may use a subtractive, additive or combined approach. This article, the last in a series of six, reviews the available evidence in the use of irreversible restorative interventions in the management of TMD, demonstrates some of the commonly used techniques and provides some guidance for the general dental practitioner (GDP) considering this approach.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: The GDP needs to be aware of when to, and more importantly when not to, consider making irreversible changes to a patient's dentition with the aim of managing their TMD.
Article
Until relatively recently, static and dynamic occlusal contacts were considered to be a major aetiological factor in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and, therefore, predicated logic dictated that making changes to these could prevent and/or manage the condition. Even with the mounting evidence minimizing the role of occlusion in the biopsychosocial model of TMD, there are still many proponents for extensive irreversible therapies in its management.
There may be situations when it is appropriate to make additive and/or subtractive changes to the dentition as part of a management strategy for TMD. It is essential, however, that as these procedures are irreversible, the treating practitioner ensures that all reasonable conservative management strategies have been exhausted. There should also be a significant benefit expected from the intervention that outweighs the risks associated with many of these techniques.
This article reviews the evidence base for irreversible restorative interventions in relation to the management of TMD. This ranges from simple single-tooth adjustments to full-mouth rehabilitations, and examples are provided to demonstrate several techniques.
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