Basics of TMD Management – PS016

Do you feel confident managing patients with TMD or oro-facial pain?

Are you clear on when to treat conservatively—and when to escalate?

What’s the best SEQUENCE of care for TMD patients?

Emma returns to Protrusive Students fresh from her finals, joining Jaz for an insightful episode on the basics of TMD management. Together, they explore the foundational steps of TMD care, from proper diagnosis to the logic behind a structured treatment hierarchy.

They break down conservative versus aggressive approaches, share clinical tips for muscle and joint assessment, and highlight common mistakes to avoid—especially during palpation and history taking.

Whether you’re a student, a dentist returning to practice, or just want a refresher on TMD, this episode will help solidify your approach and boost your clinical confidence.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

• TMD is a complex topic with various treatment approaches.
• Patient education is crucial in managing TMD effectively.
• Physiotherapy can significantly aid in TMD treatment.
• Different splints serve different purposes in TMD management.
• Bruxism can be a silent issue that affects many patients.
• Identifying the source of pain is essential for effective treatment.
• Stress can exacerbate TMD symptoms in patient cohorts
• Continuous learning and resources are vital for dental professionals.

Highlights of this episode:

• 02:35 Emma’s Finals Experience and Advice
• 05:16 Deep Dive into TMD: Clinical Insights
• 09:59 Common TMD Disorders and Their Presentation
• 18:31 TMD Treatment Options
• 28:00 Medications and Appliance Therapy
• 34:25 Practical Tips for Managing TMD
• 37:19 Addressing Bruxism and Patient Communication
• 41:00 Protrusive Pathways and Future Plans
• 43:46 Protrusive Students S2

🔗 Protrusive Resources

• OPPERA Study
• Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications: Recommendations of the International RDC/TMD Consortium Network* and Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group†
• TMD Therapy Hierarchy of Management
• Effects of occlusal splint therapy in addition to physical therapy on pain in patients affected by myogenous temporomandibular disorders: A pilot randomized controlled trial
• Splints Decision-Making Flowchart 

📚 Protrusive Pathways
 Structured playlists grouped by topic (e.g., TMD, bridges, onlays): TMD Content Playlist

📝 Crush Your Exam Student Notes
Downloadable summaries by Emma, covering TMJ anatomy and function, are available inside the Protrusive Guidance App (request student access via Mari)

If you loved this episode, be sure to watch TMD New Guidelines! Evidence-Based Care – PDP213

#OcclusionTMDandSplints #BreadandButterDentistry #Communication

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes 

C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice.

AGD Subject Code: 200 – Orofacial Pain / TMD

Aim: To provide a practical, evidence-informed framework for the conservative diagnosis and management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

Dentists will be able to –

1. Describe the three major categories of TMD and their clinical features.

2. Differentiate muscular from joint-related symptoms using simple chairside tests.

3. Explain the rationale for a conservative, staged approach to TMD management.