Acute temporomandibular disorders: a clinical practical note for dental general practitioners

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is “a collective term, embracing a number of clinical conditions that involve the masticatory musculature, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and associated structures, or both”. One has also to differentiate between acute and chronic TMD problems. In acute situations, clinical picture is almost like any other major joint problem with cardinal signs and difficulty in motion; while in chronic TMDs, there is a totally different approach: Chronicity will involve many other areas surrounding the joint but the main difference is the psychological situation and the behavioral changes that occur. The aim of this paper is to address a brief clinical practical note on different clinical acute temporomandibular disorders and how to manage them.