TMJ dysfunction syndrome is a condition affecting numerous people. It’s symptoms are shown in severe headaches, grinding teeth, ringing in the ears, and jaw pain of varying degrees. Many edentulous patients who suffer with TMJ are unaware that the main cause of such problems is something that a denturist can effectively address. TMJ symptoms are debilitating and can interfere with an every – day life of a denture wearer. The comfort and well being of a denture patient is at the heart of our practice, thus pain relief is the first and the most important goal of the denturist. A denturist with an educational and practical background of TMJ rehabilitation through denture therapy is able to devise an effective plan to treat the underlying cause of the TMJ disorder of the edentulous patient. In other cases where an occlusal height reduction, crown lengthening procedure, or involvement of natural teeth is present a denturist can proceed with a proper referral protocol to a dentist who is dedicated only to the treatment of TMJ disorders, craniofacial pain, and occlusal rehabilitation. Often, various allied health care professionals get involved, a dentist specialist, a denturist who is fabricating a removable appliance where implants or natural teeth are involved, and a physiotherapist who works with the patient either prior to, during, or after the completion of the dental treatment. This will provide the patient with a most optimal treatment plan of the TMJ rehabilitation.
