The Masticatory System

This program is one of five presentations that were presented in an all day seminar titled "From Toothache to Migraine: The Trigeminally Mediated Disorders; Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention." The goal of this program is to take the mystery out of the cause and progression of TM disorders and to make the evidenced based information useful in this regard. From pratical and relevent anatomy and physiology to the important concept of trigeminally initiated and mediated parafunction and parafunctional control, this 5-part program will attempt to separate fact from fiction. Diagnostically driven concepts will be thoroughly reviewed. Specific injuries that lead to both acute and chronic pain patterns will be described in terms of causes, diagnosis and treatment. It will be demonstrated that dentists can play a key role in migraine headache as well as obstructive sleep disorders. In this first program, Dr. Gremillion discusses the importance of the understanding the anatomy and physiology of the masticatory system as a consideration for diagnosis. Diagnosis is the key to any effective treatment.

Last Reviewed: 07/29/2012

Disclaimer: No commercial support was received for this course.

1. Define the anatomical relationships of the masticatory system.
2. Identify unique features of the masticatory system.
3. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the masticatory system.

I. Goals of Comprehensive Dentistry

II. Differential Diagnosis of the masticatory system

III. Diagnostic Considerations

a. Anatomy

b. Physiology

Isberg A, et al. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1986;61(1):32-38.Al-Ani MZ, et al. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2003;11(2):65-70.Yang Y, et al. J Oral Rhabil 2001;28(1):64-67.Isberg AM, Isacsson G. Cranio 1986;4(2):143-148.Mahan, P.E., et al. J. Prosthet. Dent. 50:710, 1983

• Assessment and Diagnosis of Oral Facial Pain Conditions, Their Treatment and Medical Management
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  Dr. Gremillion wraps up our 5 part series on TMD by examining the different types of pain and why many dentists mis-diagnose.

• Basics of masticatory function and parafunction and the occlusal strategy to manage it.
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  The goal of this program is to take the mystery out of the cause and progression of TM disorders.

• Biometric Analysis and Comparisons of Normal and Adapted Conditions
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  This is 3 of 6 presentations on TMD. Dr. Barry Glassman will discuss the use of EMG's as a diagnostic tool for TMD