TMJ Pain Management: From Confusion to Conclusion

TMJ Pain Management: From Confusion to Conclusion

Category: Gnathology

Instructor(s): Moez Khakiani

Course structure: Lessons: 8 modules: 62 lessons + PDFs | Duration: 21 h 20 min

Course overview

This is the complete 2024 version of TMD course!

The course provides a complete journey through temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) — from anatomy and causes to diagnosis and management.

Learners will study joint structure, etiological factors, and classifications of orofacial pain.

Practical training includes history taking, clinical examination, and imaging interpretation.

Management is covered step by step: self-care, pharmacological, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, splint therapy, and advanced methods such as botulinum toxin, arthrocentesis, occlusal equilibration, and orthodontics.

Case discussions and Q&A sessions reinforce knowledge and clinical decision-making.

By the end, participants will have a clear framework and practical skills to confidently diagnose and manage TMDs in daily practice.

Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to TMD

• This module provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Students will explore the anatomy of the TMJ, including articular surfaces, soft tissues, and normal joint movements. The lessons focus on building the basic knowledge required to recognize normal vs. pathological conditions.
• Lesson 1: TMD Introduction Part 1
• Lesson 2: TMD Introduction Part 2
• Lesson 3: TMD Introduction Part 3
• Lesson 4: The Articular Surface... Just Wow!
• Lesson 5: All About Soft Tissue
• Lesson 6: TMJ Movements et al
• Lesson 7: The Normal Joint

Module 2: Etiology and Pathogenesis

• This module provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Students will explore the anatomy of the TMJ, including articular surfaces, soft tissues, and normal joint movements. The lessons focus on building the basic knowledge required to recognize normal vs. pathological conditions.
• Lesson 1: Malocclusion, the Primary Culprit
• Lesson 2: Parafunction & Stress as Aetiologies of TMDs
• Lesson 3: Deep Pain, Trauma and the Concept of Adaptability

Module 3: Classification and Clinical Conditions

• This module introduces the classification of orofacial pain and dives deep into specific TMD-related conditions. Topics include muscle pain syndromes (myospasm, myofascial pain, centrally mediated myalgia), joint disorders (ADD, osteoarthritis, subluxation), and adaptive changes. Students will gain the ability to distinguish between different clinical presentations of TMD.
• Lesson 1: TMD QnA 1
• Lesson 2: TMD Classification of Oro-Facial Pain Part 1
• Lesson 3: Classification of Oro-Facial Pain Part 2
• Lesson 4: TMD Masticatory Muscle Pain- An Introduction
• Lesson 5: Protective Co-Contraction
• Lesson 6: Local Muscle Soreness
• Lesson 7: Myospasm
• Lesson 8: Myofascial Pain
• Lesson 9: Centrally Mediated Myalgia and Fibromyalgia
• Lesson 10: Functional Disorders of the Skeletal System
• Lesson 11: ADD with Reduction Part 1
• Lesson 12: ADD with Reduction Part 2
• Lesson 13: ADD without Reduction
• Lesson 14: TMJ Osteoarthritis
• Lesson 15: Continuum of TMJ Breakdown
• Lesson 16: TMJ Disc Adherence and Adhesion
• Lesson 17: TMJ Subluxation
• Lesson 18: TMJ Spontaneous Dislocation
• Lesson 19: TMD QnA Set 2

Module 4: Diagnosis of TMD

• Focusing on diagnostic methods, this module covers history taking, clinical examination, palpation, load testing, and imaging techniques (CBCT, MRI). Students will also learn how to differentiate oromandibular dystonia (OMD) from TMD. The goal is to build strong diagnostic reasoning skills.
• Lesson 1: Tools for TMD Diagnosis
• Lesson 2: TMD Diagnosis History Taking (Part 1)
• Lesson 3: TMD Diagnosis History Taking Part 2
• Lesson 4: TMD Diagnosis Visual Examination
• Lesson 5: TMD Diagnosis Palpation
• Lesson 6: TMD Diagnosis Load Testing
• Lesson 7: TMD Diagnosis Hard Tissue Imaging (CBCT)
• Lesson 8: TMD Diagnosis Soft Tissue Imaging (MRI)
• Lesson 9: Differentiating OMD from TMD

Module 5: General Management Strategies

• This module introduces general and non-invasive management strategies for TMD. Lessons cover self-management, pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, and psychotherapy. It emphasizes conservative approaches and multidisciplinary collaboration. Students also review key concepts before progressing to advanced treatment.
• Lesson 1: Management of TMDs Introduction to General Strategies
• Lesson 2: TMD Self Management Strategies
• Lesson 3: TMD Management Strategies- Pharmacotherapy
• Lesson 4: TMD Management Strategies- Physiotherapy
• Lesson 5: TMD Management Strategies- Psychotherapy
• Lesson 6: TMD QnA 3
• Lesson 7: TMD Content Reviewed

Module 6: Splint Therapy and Appliances

• Dedicated to splint therapy, this module explains the purpose, design, and fabrication techniques of different splint types (anterior stop, permissive, repositioning, stabilisation). Students will learn both theoretical and technical aspects of appliance therapy for TMD management.
• Lesson 1: TMD Introduction to Splint Therapy
• Lesson 2: TMD Management Anterior Stop Appliance Explained
• Lesson 3: TMD Management Permissive Splint Explained
• Lesson 4: TMD Management Anterior Repositioning Splint Explained
• Lesson 5: TMD Fabrication Techniques for Anterior Stop Appliance
• Lesson 6: TMD Fabrication Technique for Anterior Repositioning Splint
• Lesson 7: Fabrication Technique for Indirect Stabilisation Splint
• Lesson 8: Fabrication Technique for Direct Permissive Splint

Module 7: Advanced and Adjunctive Therapies

• This module covers advanced management approaches, including the use of botulinum toxin, arthrocentesis, platelet-rich fibrin injections, occlusal equilibration, and orthodontic interventions. Students also explore post-splint therapy strategies and the role of full-mouth rehabilitation after recovery.
• Lesson 1: Use of Botulinum Toxin in Pain Management
• Lesson 2: TMD Management- Arthrocentesis and PRF Intra-capsular Injection 1
• Lesson 3: TMD Management- Arthrocentesis and PRF Intra-capsular Injection 2
• Lesson 4: TMD Pain Management in a Nutshell
• Lesson 5: TMD Management What After Splint Therapy
• Lesson 6: TMD Management Occlusal Equilibration Techniques and Protocols
• Lesson 7: Role of Orthodontics in Oro-Facial Pain
• Lesson 8: FMR Following TMD Recovery

Module 8: Final Review and Q&A

• The final module consolidates knowledge from the entire course. It provides a platform for reviewing concepts, clarifying doubts, and integrating diagnostic and management strategies into a clinical framework. The Q&A sessions ensure learners leave with confidence and practical insights.
• Lesson 1: TMD- QnA 4
• Lesson 2: QnA 4