Article: Volume 49 Number 6 Page 453 - June 2022

Prev    Article P453    Next  Read article

  Dental Update 501: 453-460

Temporomandibular Disorders:  Temporomandibular Disorders. Part 3: Pain and Pharmacological Therapy

     Read article

CPD:    0:24   (closes in 30 days)

Feedback:  0 comments, 0 ratings

Abstract: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) comprise a variety of diagnoses with multifactorial aetiologies. The treatment of these conditions is often multimodal, reflecting the complex nature of their pathogenesis. Pharmacology has long been used for the control of inflammation and pain in various acute and chronic conditions. Although not the mainstay of treatment in TMD, pharmacology frequently plays a supportive role, and numerous drugs are available that act on several potential targets. This article, the third in a series of six, summarizes the pathogenesis of pain relevant to TMD, before reviewing the current medications available, their efficacy and their potential indications.

Clinical relevance: Understanding the potential medications available can help clinicians select an appropriate drug to complement other treatment for TMD.

Author notes: Peter Clarke, BDS(Hons), MFDS RCPS(Glasg), M Perio RCSEd, Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester. Funmi Oluwajana, BDS(Hons), MFDS RCSEd, Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester; Clinical Fellow, Health Education England Northwest. Martin James, BDS(Hons), MJDF RCS(Eng), Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester. Charles Crawford, BDS, MSc, MFGDP(UK), PGCT&L, Lead Clinician TMD Clinic, University Dental Hospital of Manchester. Emma Foster-Thomas, BDS(Hons), MFDS RCPS(Glasg), Academic Clinical Fellow in Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester. Rigel Allan, BDS, MBChB, FDS RCS(Eng), FDS(OM) RCS(Eng), Consultant in Oral medicine, University Dental of Manchester. email: pete.clarke@mft.nhs.uk

Objective: CPD Aims, Objectives and Learning Outcomes: The reader should understand the mechanisms of pain, be aware of the therapeutic options available and their efficacy, and appreciate the potential indications for their use.