Craniomandibular dysfunction, bruxism, snoring, and splints
Que entendemos por Odontologia funcional?
The scope of practice includes craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD), bruxism, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, and treatment using custom-made occlusal splints. It also encompasses assessment and treatment with specialized splints for certain cases of snoring and sleep-related disorders.
Each patient undergoes an individual assessment to understand the mechanics of the jaw, joints, muscles, and occlusion, and to determine the appropriate treatment.
Focus of work
The function of the jaw and the masticatory system can be affected by various factors. Pain, muscle tension, tooth wear, clenching or grinding of teeth, or specific temporomandibular joint issues may require a specialized assessment.
Care is offered with a specific focus on:
- Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD)
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
- Bruxism and tooth clenching
- Jaw pain and tension
- Jaw clicking and locking
- Tooth wear caused by excessive load
- Custom-made occlusal splints
- Splints for specific types of snoring
- Functional assessment of the bite and masticatory system
- Orthodontics, when indicated as part of an individualized treatment plan
The goal is not merely to treat a symptom, but to assess the overall functioning of the masticatory system and establish a plan tailored to each patient.
When should I visit the doctor?
An evaluation may be indicated when recurring discomfort or changes in jaw function arise, especially if there is no obvious cause.
Reasons for consultation:
- Jaw pain or tension.
- Clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully.
- Jaw locking or deviation.
- Headaches or tension in the temple area.
- Jaw pain.
- Bruxism.
- Significant tooth wear.
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort without an obvious dental cause.
- Tension in facial, jaw, or neck muscles.
- Ear pain (otalgia) without ear pathology.
- Tinnitus.
- Snoring and sleep apnea.
Not all of these symptoms necessarily have a craniomandibular origin. Precisely for this reason, a clinical examination allows for the assessment of whether a functional relationship exists and whether further testing or a referral to another specialist is required.
Services and Treatments
Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD). Assessment and treatment of functional disorders affecting the jaw, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the masticatory muscles. More information on CMD
Bruxism. Diagnosis and treatment of tooth clenching and grinding, as well as their potential impact on the muscles, the jaw, and tooth wear. More information on bruxism
Occlusal Splints. Planning and fabrication of custom-made occlusal splints, tailored to each patient’s functional status and specific needs. The indication for and type of splint are determined following a clinical assessment.
Snoring. Dental assessment and treatment using mandibular advancement devices for specific cases of snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders. When necessary, treatment is coordinated with other specialists.
How is the consultation and what is included?
1. Medical history and functional examination of:
- temporomandibular joints
- masticatory muscles
- jaw opening and mobility
- movement trajectories
- teeth and contact surfaces
- occlusion
- potential signs of overload
- muscle or joint tenderness and pain
2. Individual assessment
The findings from the medical history and examination are integrated to form a comprehensive overview of the case.
Not everyone with jaw clicking requires treatment, and not all headaches originate from the craniomandibular region.
Therefore, the decision to treat and the choice of treatment are made on an individual basis.
3. Treatment plan
When treatment is indicated, the various options are explained, and a plan tailored to the patient’s specific situation is established.
Depending on the case, this may include an occlusal splint, measures to reduce overload, physiotherapy, manual therapy, lifestyle or habit changes, dental treatment, or other interventions.
When necessary, collaboration with other healthcare professionals takes place.
A funcional and interdisciplinary approach
The jaw does not function in isolation.
The temporomandibular joint, teeth, muscles of mastication, and cervical musculature form part of an interconnected functional system.
In certain patients, factors related to sleep, stress, daily habits, or previous dental treatments may also play a role.
For this reason, we often work in an interdisciplinary manner, involving fields such as physiotherapy, orthopedics, otolaryngology, neurology, radiology, and sleep medicine.
This collaboration makes it possible to distinguish between discomfort related to the masticatory system and issues requiring assessment by another specialty.
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