Temporomandibular disorders seen in rheumatology practices:: a review

Temporomandibular disorders are recognized as the most common nontooth-related chronic orofacial pain conditions. This article reviews the recent temporomandibular disorders literature and summarizes the temporomandibular disorders seen in rheumatology practices. Arthritis is a common condition affecting the temporomandibular joint. Although degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis are the most frequently encountered infectious arthritis, metabolic arthritis, spondyloarthropathies and the traumatic arthritis have also been reported. Distinguishing between different temporomandibular disorders is as important as the clinical course, long-term prognosis, and therapy. Diagnostic criteria are generally based on signs and symptoms of the patient. The American Academy of Orofacial Pain established the first well-defined diagnostic classification. In addition, Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders have been developed using similar classification. In the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, conservative and noninvasive treatments are endorsed for the initial care of nearly all TMD patients because the majority of patients with TMD achieve good relief of symptoms with conservative treatment.