Acute and Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder Pain: A critical review of differentiating factors and predictors of acute to chronic pain transition.

Aims: The aims of this critical review were to: (i) assess the factors that differentiate acute from chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain; (ii) assess the risk factors associated with the transition from acute to chronic TMD pain; and (iii) summarize and appraise the studies.

Method: The databases used were MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Eligible studies included articles comparing acute to chronic TMD pain, and cohort studies assessing the risk factors implicated in the transition from acute to chronic TMD pain.

Dental Decision Simulation (DDSim): Development of a virtual training environment.

Purpose: Case-based simulations are powerful training tools that can enhance learning and drive behavior change. This is an overview of the design/development of Dental Decision Simulation (DDSim), a web-based simulation of an electronic dental record (EDR). The purpose was to use DDSim to train dentists to make evidence-based treatment planning decisions consistent with current evidence.

The effect of catastrophizing and depression on chronic pain--a prospective cohort study of temporomandibular muscle and joint pain disorders.

Although most cases of temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMJD) are mild and self-limiting, about 10% of TMJD patients develop severe disorders associated with chronic pain and disability. It has been suggested that depression and catastrophizing contributes to TMJD chronicity. This article assesses the effects of catastrophizing and depression on clinically significant TMJD pain (Graded Chronic Pain Scale [GCPS] II-IV).

Ask the Experts: Ensuring accurate diagnosis of orofacial pain disorders.

Dr Fricton received his BS and DDS degree from the University of Iowa (IA, USA), and then undertook his postgraduate studies, completing an MS in Oral Biology at UCLA School of Dentistry (University of California, CA, USA) and an Anesthesiology and Pain Management Residency at UCLA Medical Center. After research and clinical training at UCLA, he joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota (MN, USA), where he is currently a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is also a Senior Research Investigator at HealthPartners Research Foundation (MN, USA).

The effect of fibromyalgia and widespread pain on the clinically significant temporomandibular muscle and joint pain disorders--a prospective 18-month cohort study.

Unlabelled: Although most cases of temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMJD) are mild and self-limiting, about 10% of TMJD patients develop severe disorders associated with chronic pain and disability. It has been suggested that fibromyalgia and widespread pain play a significant role in TMJD chronicity. This paper assessed the effects of fibromyalgia and widespread pain on clinically significant TMJD pain (GCPS II-IV).

Critical appraisal of methods used in randomized controlled trials of treatments for temporomandibular disorders.

Aims: To evaluate the quality of methods used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatments for management of pain and dysfunction associated with temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMJD) and to discuss the implications for future RCTs.

Methods: A systematic review was made of RCTs that were implemented from 1966 through March 2006, to evaluate six types of treatments for TMJD: orthopedic appliances, occlusal therapy, physical medicine modalities, pharmacologic therapy, cognitive-behavioral and psychological therapy, and temporomandibular joint surgery. A quality assessment of 210 published RCTs assessing the internal and external validity of these RCTs was conducted using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) criteria adapted to the methods of the studies.

Teledentistry: increase access to dental specialists in rural Minnesota.

This current pilot project presents the experience of University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (UMNSOD) to use real-time videoconferencing technology to increase access to dental specialty care in rural Minnesota.

Evaluation of surgically retrieved temporomandibular joint alloplastic implants: pilot study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a retrieval analysis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) alloplastic interpositional implants and test possible correlation between implant failure features and patient clinical outcomes. In addition, we investigated the implants' surface and examined the foreign body reaction associated with different types of alloplastic materials.

Materials And Methods: Twelve implants (Proplast/Teflon [Vitek, Houston, TX] and Silastic [Dow Corning, Midland, MI]) were surgically removed from the patients' TMJs.

The relationship of temporomandibular disorders and fibromyalgia: implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Although most cases of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are mild and self-limiting, approximately 10% of patients develop severe disorders associated with chronic pain. It has been found that the widespread pain, depression, and sleep disorders associated with fibromyalgia (FM) may play a significant role in the chronicity of patients with TMD. This paper reviews the characteristics and relationship between TMD and FM and discusses how the similar mechanisms and diagnostic and treatment strategies for both disorders suggest that there is a close relationship between them.

Long-term study of temporomandibular joint surgery with alloplastic implants compared with nonimplant surgery and nonsurgical rehabilitation for painful temporomandibular joint disc displacement.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term objective and subjective outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) implant surgery for the treatment of painful TMJ disc displacement using temporary Silastic (Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, MI), permanent Silastic, or Proplast (Vitek, Houston, TX) implants to replace the disc. These cases were compared with other cases of the same diagnosis treated with either nonsurgical rehabilitation or nonimplant surgery involving discectomy or disc repair procedures.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 466 patients who received treatment for unilateral or bilateral TMJ disc displacement before January 1, 1990.

Development of orofacial pain programs in dental schools.

This paper discusses the critical issues that surround the development of an orofacial pain program in a dental school and suggests strategies to address them. Since the University of Minnesota has an established orofacial pain program involved in both predoctoral and postdoctoral teaching, clinical and basic research, and interdisciplinary patient care over the past 20 years, this article uses this as a model for development of an orofacial pain program. The proposal includes overall goals, background and rationale, specific aims, and program activities, including teaching, research, patient care, and financial and resource needs.