TMJ Pathologies Treatment: Patient with headache for 30 years. Neuromuscular Physiological Rehabilitation. First and second phase. Case Report.

A 54- year old female patient arrives to the clinic for consultation, referred by her rheumatologist with complaints of daily headache since her 23 years of age. The patient associates the beginning of the headache with the installation of a definitive crown on the right upper central incisor. When she was 12 years old the suffered a traumatism that provoked the fracture of the tooth. The patient also reports bruxism.

The patient reports that in consultation with a neurologist, a nuclear magnetic resonance of the skull was requested, in which a change in white matter was detected.

At the same time the patient consults with a cardiologist. A FOP (Patent Oval Form) is detected, with no need for a surgical approach.

After years and years of consultations and treatments for daily headaches, the patient also has a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

The patient makes use of marevan, 5mg daily as indicated by the Cardiologist.

Sandomigran 1 time per day per Neurologist indication.

Nexium 40 mg once daily indication of Gastroenterologist.

Marevan works in the prevention of venous thromboembolism, systemic embolism in patients with prosthetic heart valves or atrial fibrillation, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and recurrence of myocardial infarction. Oral anticoagulants are also indicated in the prevention of systemic embolism in patients with cardiac valve disease.

Sandomigran, pizotifen is an antaminic characterized by its polyvalent inhibitory effect on biogenic amines, such as serotonin, histamine and tryptamine. It is suitable for the prophylactic treatment of migraine, reducing the frequency of seizures. Pizotifen also has appetite-stimulating properties and is mildly antidepressant.

Nexium: Expected action of medication, disappearance of symptoms of heartburn, epigastric pain and acid regurgitation. Healing of peptic ulcers.

Habitual occlusion of the patient on the day of the consultation. Note the persistence of a lower deciduous tooth on the left side.

Upper and lower occlusal views of the patient on the day of the consultation. Note the persistence of a lower deciduous tooth on the left side.

Presence of bilateral torus mandibularis.

The lower incisors show signs of wear.

Absence of dental elements 18, 28, 38 and 48. Maintenance of element  75  in the dental arch. The element 11 is endodontically treated. Presence of fixed prosthesis with intracanal pin in element 11.

The laminography of the temporomandibular joints shows a modification of the growth axis of both mandibular condyles caused by a trauma in the early childhood, (greenstick fracture).

Lateral radiograph of the patient in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Frontal radiography of the patient in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Lateral and cervical radiograph of the patient in habitual occlusion prior to treatment. Note the loss of space between the cervical vertebrae, especially between C5 and C6, where osteophytes are also observed.

MRI: Sagittal slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. Facet on the superior surface and posterior flattening of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

Notice the posterior compression in this slice.

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: Sagittal slice of the right TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. Facet on the superior surface and posterior flattening of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the right TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. Posterior flattening of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

Notice the posterior compression in this slice.

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: another sagittal  slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth.

Notice the posterior compression in this slice.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

The patient’s masticatory muscles were electronically deprogrammed and the mandible rest position was recorded with a computerized kinesiograph.

An intraoral device (DIO) was made to for three- dimensional mandible repositioning.

The patient presented a pathological free interocclusal space of 4,4 mm, a mandibular retroposition of 1, 6 mm, also a right deviation of 1 mm.

The PHYSIOLOGICAL NEUROMUSCULAR position was recorded in the form of an occlusal bite record, which was later used to make a DIO (intraoral device)

Control of the intraoral device registration (DIO). These controls are frequently performed during the first phase of the treatment, also monitored by surface electromyography. On average this first phase lasts one year. Modifying and improving PHYSIOLOGICAL NEUROMUSCULAR POSITION.

MRI: comparative sagittal sections of the left TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: another comparative sagittal sections of the left TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal sections of the right TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: another comparative sagittal sections of the right TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: another comparative sagittal sections of the right TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

After the completion of the first phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies and the patient WITHOUT HEADACHE, we began the second phase of TMJ pathology treatment.

In this specific case: three-dimensional orthodontics together with the rehabilitation of the necessary dental pieces and aesthetic improvement of the patient’s anterior teeth.

At this point I had to make a decision regarding the permanence of the deciduous tooth, firm and without mobility.

I did not think I should extract it for the placement of the implant, but to maintain it.

I clarified to the patient that during orthodontics we could lose it. I understood that this would have a compromise in the patient’s occlusion, but this fact did not concerned me, with the TMJ being decompressed and the patient functioning well, both electromyographically and in the computerized kinesiograph tests.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

Direct composite resin reconstruction of  the 75 and 37 elements maintaining patient’s  Neuromuscular Physiological position.

Sequence of three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of TMJ pathologies treatment in this specific patient. Direct composite resin reconstruction of  the 75 and 37 elements maintaining patient’s  Neuromuscular Physiological position.

Sequence of three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of TMJ pathologies treatment in this specific patient. Preparation for the reconstruction of elements 33, 32, 31, 41, 42 and 43 maintaining the patient’s Neuromuscular Physiological position.

Direct composite resin reconstruction of  33,32,31,41,42 and 43 elements maintaining the patient’s Neuromuscular Physiological position, with three-dimensional orthodontics.

After the resolution of the strong headache (reason why the patient consulted the clinic) and the finalization of the tridimensional orthodontics, it was decided to make laminated facets from canine to canine for aesthetic reasons.

Completion of the First and Second Phases in the treatment of TMJ Pathologies. Physiological Neuromuscular Rehabilitation.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph after the end of the treatment in the Neuromuscular Physiological Dentistry.

Patient’s temporomandibular joints laminography  in physiological neuromuscular occlusion after treatment completion.

Patient’s frontal radiograph  in physiological neuromuscular occlusion after treatment completion.

Patient’s comparative lateral radiographs  before and after treatment. The first  in habitual occlusion and the second in physiological neuromuscular occlusion.

At age 11, I had a fall and broke the upper incisor tooth. At the time, I sought a dentist and he said that I should wait for the adult stage to make the porcelain definitive crown.

In 1986, when I was 23, I went to another dentist to make the crown. After the root canal treatment, the crown was placed.

In that moment I felt that there was an elevation that touched the lower tooth. The next day I woke up with an endless headache. Day by day the pain intensified.

I returned to the dentist and reported the fact, he said that in time it would settle. For 25 years I investigated the reason for my headache with several doctors.

In 2006 a rheumatologist asked me for an MRI of the skull, changes were identified in the gray matter. During this period, I was admitted to HMV for an investigation, and the diagnosis was SAF, topiramate 50 mg was introduced as a preventive of migraine and anticoagulant.These drugs were used from 2006 to 2011.

In 2007, I underwent systemic chemotherapy with METOTREXATE for 1 year. In 2011 another pain site showed up, this time in the hip, so I underwent corticoid in the vein for 6 months.

I decided to abandon the treatment, because it was no use. I looked for a respected neurologist who switched all my medication for an anti-allergy for headache prevention and an antiplatelet.

The diagnosis was leukoencephalopathy in a small degree. I also gave up treatment, because it did not work, either.

This neurologist referred me to another rheumatologist who examined me and identified a problem in my TMJ and a bursitis in the hip.

The same rheumatologist sent me to Dr. Lidia Yavich and to an orthopedist. In a short time I did not feel the same headache when I woke up. After all this, I continue to do MRI, and the changes have stabilized.

 

I sought an opinion from a second neurologist, and he thinks that all the changes I have are due to the intensity of the headache that I felt daily.

He did not agree with any diagnosis made so far.

I also believe that, because after the treatment with Dr. Lidia, I regained my quality of life.

The medication I use today: antiplatelet due to the existing changes and because I have a patent foramen ovale.

I thanks also to Dr. Luis Daniel for the conjunct treatment restoring function and aesthetics.

 

Neuromuscular Physiological Treatment in a Patient with Headache and Pain in the Temporomandibular Joints. Case report without possibility of Disc Recapture: first and second phase.

 

I often observe the debate on etiology and therapeutics, especially in TMJ dysfunction discussions groups, which are integrated by patients and professionals. These groups are active not only in Brazil but in several countries and communities from around the world.

I hope this space will add, strengthen or clarify those discussions.

The professional who treats patients with TMJ pathology has to take into account, at the moment of studying the clinical case, the patient’s particularities and the anatomical structures that are involved and provoking pain and affliction to our patient.

Even if the professional is scrupulous, evolutions can be different from patient to patient. That is why the professional has to investigate carefully which are the structures that can improve or even heal and which are the ones that cannot improve or still which ones we do not know if can be improved in the process of treatment.

Recognizing what we do not know is perhaps more important than recognizing  what we do know: and the communication of this understanding to the patient is essential.

When we start a treatment we must be certain of the structures we can meliorate, or even prevent of getting worse  and we also must know which structures  we DO NOT HAVE THE CONDITION TO MELIORATE and we certainly must communicate that to the patient. Within this framework, the most important thing is to investigate if  we can improve the quality of life of the patient.

Female patient with 45 years old arrives to the clinic for consultation suffering from headache every day, also suffering from neck pain and pain in the back of the neck, pain in both temporomandibular joints and severe pain on the shoulders.

Pain is more intense on the left side.

The patient reports a sensation of plugged ears and hearing decrease which was confirmed by an audiometry that refers normal hearing at  4KHZ and a severe sensorineural hearing loss at 6 KHZ and moderate at 8 KHz in the right ear.

The left ear has normal hearing thresholds.

The patient presents a buzzing in the left ear, and peculiar noises.

Patient’s habitual occlusion in the consultation day. Note patient’s overbite.

The patient reports that she wakes up with pain in the teeth, because of clenching.

Patient’s upper and lower oclusal view before treatment. Note the wear of the lower anterior teeth. The patient states that have made maxillary anterior teeth reconstruction with resin due to attrition caused by bruxism.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph before treatment. Absence of teeth 18,28,48.

Tooth 38 in a horizontal position, impacted

Reabsorption of the alveolar ridges.

Radiographic image of the right and left temporomandibular joints in closed and open mouth. Flattening of the anterior superior and posterior superior surface of the left articular process.

Patient’s lateral radiograph in habitual occlusion before treatment. Rectification of the cervical spine.

Patient’s frontal radiograph in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Patient’s lateral radiograph and cervical spine in habitual occlusion before treatment. Rectification of the cervical spine.

Patient’s computerized kinesiographic record before treatment. Patient without mouth opening restriction. Decreased closing speed, typical graph of an incisal guide that interferes with the closing trajectory.

Sagittal slices of the right closed TMJ. The mandible heads presents irregularities and cortical and subcortical sclerosis. Degenerative process.

The right articular disc shows small size, change in signal intensity and degenerative morphostructural aspect. It is anteriorly displaced.

Sagittal slices of the right open TMJ. The articular disc shows small size, is anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Another sagittal internal slice of the right closed TMJ showing cortical bone irregularities. Degenerative aspect.

The articular disc shows small size, change in signal intensity and degenerative morphostructural aspect. It is anteriorly displaced, WITHOUT REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Another sagittal slice of the right open TMJ. The articular disc shows small size, is anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Sagittal slices of the left closed TMJ. Mild contours irregularity with rectification of the superior aspect of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc presents reduced dimensions.Alteration in orientation of the mandibular condilar axis because of traumatism in infancy. The disc is anteriorly displaced, WITH REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Sagittal slice of the left open TMJ. THE DISC REDUCES WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Frontal slice of the right and left temporomandibular joints, closed mouth. Note the cortical discontinuity on the right side already registered in the sagittal sections of the same side. The left side shows a medial disc deviation.

The masticatory muscles of the patient were electronically deprogrammed and a DIO (intraoral device) was constructed in neurophysiological position. In other publications computerized kinesiographic methods were mentioned.

In occlusion most often the healthy or pathological condition of the inter-oclusal space is not objectively considered. In this case the pathological free space of the patient is almost 7, 4 mm

With this data and ALWAYS WITH THE INFORMATION OF THE IMAGES OBTAINED WITH THE MRI, we built a DIO (intraoral device) to keep the three-dimensionally recorded position.

One year after the beginning of neurophysiological treatment, the patient had to interrupt the treatment to undergo a spine surgery.

The patient returned 10 months after the interval, recovered from the intervention. The patient was  then again documented to assess any changes that might have happened during the interruption and the spine surgery.

Patient’s postural comparative frontal images: before treatment and restarting therapeutic after the spine surgery.

Patient’s postural profil comparative images: before treatment and restarting therapeutic after the spine surgery.

The masticatory muscles of the patient were AGAIN electronically deprogrammed and NEW DIO (intraoral device) was built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph with the DIO (intraoral device) built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s right and left temporomandibular joints laminography  in closed and open mouth  with the DIO built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s lateral radiograph with the DIO built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s lateral and cervical spine radiograph with the DIO built in neurophysiological position.

PATIENT’S ANALYSIS AT THIS STAGE OF THE TREATMENT.

Patient with degenerative processes not only in the temporomandibular  joints but also in the cervical spine and lumbar spine which led her to surgery.

Inability to recapture of the right TMJ disk. Whereby this was an objective that was not taken into account.

Remission of symptoms and improvement of  life quality.

Physiological mandibular posture, recovery of free space interocclusal through the DIO (Intraoral device).

In this particular case even WITHOUT DISC RECAPTURE (CONDITION THAT WAS EXPLAINED IN THE DIAGNOSIS)  the patient can pass into the second phase, always taking into account that we should protect the joint during the night and during physical activity.

Each case is unique and the decision to move to a second phase also needs an individualized study.

It was decided to begin the SECOND PHASE of treatment to remove the DIO (intraoral device), keeping the neurophysiological occlusion.

For this we used a three-dimensional orthodontics, where the teeth are erupted in order to reach the new neurophysiological position.

In the second phase, in this case the three-dimensional orthodontic the patient is monitored and electronically deprogrammed. The device is often  recalibrated or replaced, to maintain the position obtained in the first phase.

In the second phase, in this case the three-dimensional orthodontic the patient is monitored and electronically deprogrammed. The device is often recalibrated or replaced, to maintain the position obtained in the first phase.

In this sequence the patient is still with the DIO (intraoral device)  in the mouth.

Removal of the DIO (intra oral device)

Completion of the second phase of the neurophysiological treatment in this case with a three-dimensional orthodontics. 

The second phase is here understood as the three- dimensional orthodontics, restorative, prosthetic procedures in accordance with each clinical case in order to remove the DIO, while maintaining the neurophysiological position obtained in the first phase.

Patient’s upper and lower oclusal views after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics.

Patient’s right and left temporomandibular joints laminography in closed and open mouth  in neurophysiological position after finalization of the treatment.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph in neurophysiological occlusion in the completion of treatment. The tooth 38 that was in a horizontal and impacted position was extracted since the patient had no more symptoms of joint pain.

Patient’s lateral radiograph in neurophysiological occlusion in the completion of the second phase of neurophysiological treatment.

Temporomandibular joints MRI after de finalization of the second phase.

We must remember that this is a patient with degenerative processes and impossibility of recapture of the right TMJ disc, the left disk is so damaged that it does not fulfill its function.

The patient no longer has symptoms.

The final MRI shows no worsening of the situation and in the frontal slice it shows a better three-dimensional location of the mandibular condyle and cortical improvement.

Patient’s lateral comparative radiographs: at the beginning of treatment in habitual occlusion, during treatment after the spine surgery interruption with the DIO (intraoral device) in neurophysiological occlusion and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics in neurophysiological occlusion.

Comparative records of mandibular rest position at the beginning of the treatment to build the DIO (intraoral device), and at the end of the second phase of the treatment (tridimensional orthodontics) to build a DIO (intraoral device) for night use.

Notice that in the beginning of the treatment the patient had a pathological interocclusal space of 7.4mm, and in the record at the end of the second phase for the nocturne DIO the patient has 3.3mm of free interocclusal space.

We have to take into account that  the free interocclusal space IS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPACE, AND WHEN WE HAVE STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE JOINTS, THE SPACE IS NOT EQUAL ON THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT SIDE.

Patient’s  comparative profil postural images: at the beginning of treatment in habitual occlusion, during treatment after the spine surgery and treatment interruption with the DIO (intraoral device) in neurophysiological occlusion and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics in neurophysiological occlusion.

Patient’s frontal comparative postural images: at the beginning of treatment in habitual occlusion, during treatment after the spine surgery and treatment interruption with the DIO (intraoral device) in neurophysiological occlusion and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics in neurophysiological occlusion.

I had made several appointments with specialists, such as otorhinolaryngologist, dentists and maxilo-facial surgeons. However, all of them were without success and that is when I looked for Dr. Lidia to whom I reported the following symptoms.

I used to wake up every day with a lot of pain on the left side, both in the head and neck and I used to feel a rigidity on the neck and shoulder. In that time I used to take painkillers every single day in the morning. I also used to suffer of a serious problem of bruxism and because of that I wore out my front teeth, both the upper and lower teeth, and I had to restore them. I used to feel a lot of pain from the tremendous pressure that I used to make between the lower and upper part of my mouth. Another symptom was the high sensitivity on the teeth when I drank cold liquids. I felt as my ears were always blocked in such a way that my hearing decreased. I also used to hear a noise, especially on the left side, which sounded like a continuous whistle.

I also told the doctor that when I was a child I was hit with a brick, in the middle of a child’s play.

After reporting all that she asked me to make many exams and many of them were made in the MY Clinic and finally she told me that I had a problem in the TMJ. I started a treatment with her in 2011. I started to use an acrylic splint on my lower teeth day and night, all the time, taking it of only for its hygiene.

The pain that I used to feel so much decreased and in short time I did not feel it any more. Doctor Lidia had to adjust the orthotic monthly, making exams in her clinic until it reached the optimal height. On the next year from when I started the treatment I had to interrupt it for 8 or 10 months because I had to make a column surgery but I returned to the treatment as soon as I was well enough. I kept on treatment for one more year and after that I started the second part of the treatment with braces.

At the time that the treatment ended I did not need to use any more braces nor the full time orthotic. Today I need to use the orthotic only when I do physical activities and to sleep. I never again felt the horrible pain that I used to feel. I also never felt again the sensation of having blocked ears and happily the noise reduced. Today I am very happy that I do not have to take daily painkillers and that I do not have any pain. I am very grateful to doctor Lidia because she discovered and solved my problem.

For the interested coleagues in this training: the course starts at the September 1st.
Please write to the email for more informations:  lidiayavich@gmail   ou  lidiayavich@clinicamy.com.br
+55 5130612237    +55 5133322124       This course will be given in Portuguese

TMJ Study and Investigation Page. One year of publication

Dear friends,

At December 2014 I started the Project TMJ Study and Investigation Page. At first, all its content was offered in three languages: Portuguese, English and Spanish. Due to the analysis of the webpage access statistics, at March 2015 I decided to offer the content solely in Portuguese and English.

Nowadays, the medicine based on evidence is hierarchically stratified from top to bottom where in the base of the pyramid we find the clinic cases, which are rarely seen as evidence. The TMJ Study and Investigation Page had, in its conception, the purpose of posting the clinic cases, which were carefully published with the documentation related to each of the patients treated at Clínica MY with pain complaints, dysfunction and TMJ pathology.

The proposition was of presenting these clinic cases and concepts in order share them, offering free access to the content along images, surface electromyographies, computerized kinesiography, scanned before and after the therapeutic process. Cases of tridimentional orthodontics and neurophisiologic reabilitation of the second phase of treatment, after the TMJ treatment, were also included.

The TMJ Study and Investigation Page is completing, in this month of December, one year since it started, and I want to celebrate its anniversary with you. With this project, we have a place in the Internet that presents a line of work known as neurophysiologic dentistry, which takes into account the whole body system. It is an area that also operates regarding the posture and the mandibular functioning. In order to do that, the physiologic dentistry aims to establish, in the patient, a position that is based on a harmonious relation between the muscles, the teeth, and the temporolandibular joints.

In the publication of the end of this year I have chosen the most significant images of the whole year of publications, with their direct links to each one of the originals publications.

Joint Decompression in a Neurophysiological Mandibular Rest Position Promotes a Positive Remodeling in a Degenerative Process of a Teenager Temporomandibular Joint

Anatomy is the platform on which physiology functions

Structural modifications of the mandibular condylar process as one of the sequels of traumatism in infancy.

Articular discs recapture with mandibular neurophysiological repositioning

Cervical Dystonia or Spasmodic Torticollis: Positive evolution after Neurophysiological Treatment

Recapture of articular disc displacement with reduction. Recapture or not recapture that is the question.

Inter relation of Craniomandibular disorders and vertebral spine. Case report

Tridimensional Orthodontics in the Second Phase of TMJ Pathologies

Neurophysiological Combined Orthodontics and Rehabilitation: patient with degenerative conditions in several body joints

TMJ Pathologies Treatment: first and second phase (tridimensional orthodontics) in a hypermobile joint patient with low signal in the head of the mandible bone marrow. Case report.

Articular Disc Recapture: patient with significant mandibular heads asymmetry and unilateral reducible luxation. Case report

Osteonecrosis of the Mandibular Head: recovery of condylar bone marrow alteration

TMJ ( temporomandibular joint) Pathologies: Patient with severe pain in the region of the face, neck and temporomandibular joint. First and second phase.

Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis and non inflammatory TMJ pathology

Mandible Condyle Fracture Consolidation by Neurophysiological Alignment of the Segments, Four Months after Unsuccessful Surgery. Case report

The importance of Mandibular Rest Position by Electronic Deprogramming in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Pathologies, Orthodontic Diagnosis and Oral Rehabilitation. Case report.

TMJ Pathologies in Children and Teenagers the Overlooked Diagnosis

Training in Diagnosis and Treatment of TMJ Pathologies

The Postural Position of the Mandible and its Complexity in the Maxillomandibular Tridimensional Relation: first and second phase in a patient with severe symptoms with subtle information on the images.

e images.

The Tridimensional Neurophysiological Position of the Mandible in Implant Prosthesis Protocol

I want to thank my family that is always at my side in each one of the projects, I also want to thank my friends, that from Brazil and from many places of the world, supported and support this project. Last, but not least, I want to thank my colleagues and patients that often write, encouraging and thanking the existence of this virtual place.

By closing, in this moment, the annual analysis and the perspective for the year that follows, I therefore thank the readers of all places in the world that follow the TMJ Study and Investigation Page. It is a privilege to count with your visits.

With the best votes for 2016, and wishing for a year of peace, health, love and happiness for all.

Dr. Lidia Yavich

 

Tridimensional Orthodontics in the Second Phase of TMJ Pathologies

In the former publications of this study page some of the neurophysiological fundaments of the TMJ pathologies treatment were presented, the importance of the differential diagnosis and also the utilization of bioinstrumentation like surface electromyography and jaw tracker were also introduced.

Patients images relating their symptomatology were also shown, some of the diverse etiological factors as traumatisms in infancy, especially green stick fracture, intra articular discs recapture in reducible dislocations, interrelation between Craniomandibular disorders and vertebral spine, as well as a case of cervical dystonia and its relation with TMJ that can also be read in this page. From December 2014 there were seven publications.

When we talk about TMJ pathologies treatment we need to understand that there are different approaches. The proposal of a Palliative treatment is the Symptomatic treatment, which tries to block the symptoms. For that means, it uses analgesics administration, anti- inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants.

The restorative approach is the treatment that aims, when possible to correct or to heal what is damaged. Recognition of what is wrong (differential diagnosis) must precede the question of how to fix it. To know what is wrong, it is necessary a differential diagnosis. This diagnosis must always be elaborated before we reach a treatment proposal.

When our proposal is a restorative treatment, we have a FIRST PHASE where the objective is to heal the joint when it is possible. Sometimes we can only improve the joint condition or to avoid its deterioration.

To know what we can treat and what we cannot deal with, and the limitations of every individual case.

When we finished the first phase, we compare if the control images of the case corresponds with the goals we intended to achieve in our initial diagnosis. We know that there are cases that can meliorate, others that we can avoid its aggravation, and still others that we can only can relieve the pain. If the case has positive results of the first phase we can initiate a second phase of the treatment in order to remove the device that is used in a permanent way during the first phase of the treatment.

For this we can perform a tridimensional orthodontics, a neurophysiological rehabilitation or the combination of both.

Always remember of keeping the mandibular localization in equilibrium with the muscular planes, temporomandibular joint and dental planes.

I will relate what happened at the current week with a teenager patient that had finished the first phase, in a case of  neurophysiologic decompression of the temporomandibular joint and where she was still wearing the DIO (intraoral device)

The patient had remission of her symptomatology (ear pain irradiated from the TMJ since childhood), and now she was preparing herself  to initiate the second phase with a tridimensional orthodontics. I wasn´t satisfied with her breathing so again I asked for an evaluation to meliorate her breathing and consequently her tongue position.

The professional that made this evaluation affirmed that the patient presented an open bite and that she needed to consult a buco maxillary surgeon to “close her bite” by surgery.

The anguish that was provoked on the patient and that consequently also affected me, resulted in my indignation on her conclusive opinion referring the patient to a surgical consultation without firs entering first in contact with the professional responsible for the treatment (me in this case)

In any way I demand complicity of any professional, since I consider ethics beyond everything. As much as respect for the patient.

This event encouraged me to publish a case on tridimentional orthodontics in the second phase of TMJ pathologies

Before the SECOND PHASE, let´s begin with the FIRST PHASE.

Female patient, 17 years old consults in the clinic complaining of headache, ear pain, shoulder pain and bilateral clicks.

In the clinical inspection she had strong ache when retrodiscal palpation was performed.

The patient showed an “ideal occlusion” and in the clinical tests she did not exhibits any kind of interferences neither in protrusion nor in lateral translation.

Patient’s initial laminography in habitual occlusion before treatment

Patient’s initial laminography in habitual occlusion,  retro position of the mandibular heads, especially on the left side provoking an important retrodiscal compression.

Patient’s MRI in habitual occlusion, both anterior reducible disc luxation, retro- position of the mandible heads and modification of the growth axis provoked by a traumatism in infancy (Structural modification of the mandibular condylar process as one of the sequels of traumatism in infancy). The luxation is reducible (MRI in open mouth not included in this post)

Patient’s initial electromyography record (4 channels) in habitual occlusion

In this record we measure both right and left anterior temporalis, and right and left masseters. Notice that the masseters that are the most potent muscles of the masticatory system cannot generate activity.

A static image doesn’t speak of muscular harmony, doesn’t show if there is coordination between the systems and does not show if the patient has local or distant pain.

Patient’s masticatory muscles were electronically deprogrammed. A bite was registered in a neurophysiological position with a jaw tracker.

The patient presents a pathological free way space of 6,2 mm and a retro mandibular position of 2,5 mm.

With this data we construct an intraoral device (DIO) tested electromiographically to support the neurophysiological occlusion.

Patient’s comparative laminographies

Patient’s initial laminography in habitual occlusion, retro position of the mandibular heads, especially on the left side provoking an important retrodiscal compression. The new laminography with the intraoral device in neurophysiological position shows the tridimensional decompression of the retrodiscal zone.

Comparison of the two electromyography records the first in habitual occlusion and the second with the intraoral device in neurophysiologic position. The masseters present excellent activity with the DIO, compare the first initial record where these muscles couldn’t activate.

Comparison of one of the slices of the MRI. Left closed TMJ before the treatment in habitual occlusion and in a neurophysiological occlusion with the DIO.

Disc in physiological position and tridimensional decompression of the mandibular head.

Correlation with the electromyography records in habitual occlusion and in neurophysiological occlusion with the DIO.

Comparison of one of the slices of the MRI. Right closed TMJ before the treatment in habitual occlusion and in a neurophysiological occlusion with the DIO.

Disc in physiological position and tridimensional decompression of the mandibular head.

Correlation with the electromyography records in habitual occlusion and in neurophysiological occlusion with the DIO.

Lateral radiograph of the patient for the initiation of the tridimensional orthodontics treatment. The patient is with the DIO (intraoral device constructed in neurophysiological position)

Patient’s masticatory muscles were electronically deprogrammed for the bite registration and the construction of the intraoral device.

Not all case can pass to a second phase, orthodontics, prosthodontics or rehabilitation.

There are patients with active autoimmune disease, where is not possible to eliminate de intraoral device, because these patient’s  anatomical structures ( temporomandibular joints, cervical spine…) are affected by the disease, what makes this structures unstable pillars, because of the active inflammatory process.

Neuromuscular diagnosis in orthodontics: effects of TENS on maxillo-mandibular relationship.

Atlas of Maxillary Orthopedics: diagnosis Thomas Irmtrud and Jonas Rakosi. Electronic rest mandibular registration in three spatial planes.

Starting the 2 phase of the treatment in this case with a tridimensional orthodontics. The device will be removed keeping the muscular planes in equilibrium with the osseous and dental plans.  INITIATING THE ACTIVE ERUPTION.

Image with and WITHOUT the intraoral device. The space between arches IS THE SPACE THAT WE NEED TO RESTORE (this space is filled with the DIO). The DIO operated as a tridimensional boot sole. IN THE SECOND PHASE THE ACTIVE ERUPTION OF THE TEETH will fulfill the objective

Continuing the treatment in the tridimensional orthodontics. Image with and without the device. Posterior sector already erupted.

Molar and pre-molar sector already erupted. Alignment of the lower incisors and finalization of the tridimensional orthodontics in the second phase of TMJ Pathologies.

The ultimate goal in an orthodontic treatment is to treat all three components of the stomatognathic system and create an environment for synergistic function of the teeth, temporomandibular joints and neuromuscular system.

A tridimensional orthodontic needs to maintain the tridimensional position of the mandible in balance with its osseous and muscular planes obtained in the first phase, and whenever possible it needs to keep the temporomandibular joint in an harmonic relation with the mandibular fossa as well with the articular disc in correct position.

The patient’s clinical history, clinical inspection, technology, bioinstrumentation and images, helped us to improve TMJ pathologies diagnosis and treatment.

When we arrive to a SECOND PHASE, many professionals and patients don´t know that the active eruption has been used from MANY, MANY years ago. Dr. Duane Grummons book edited in 1994 is only one of the several examples. Logically a TRIDIMENSIONAL ORTHODONTICS in the patient with TMJ Pathology needs a differential diagnosis and a restorative treatment in the FIRST PHASE.

If we don´t understand that teeth are the ending point of a joint…

If we don´t understand that this joint can be affected by systemic

and local pathologies…

If we don´t understand that it is the muscles that move the mandible

and propitiate the rest position…

If we don´t understand that structural differences determine tridimentional adaptations…

We may not understand treatments failure, in the cases where the patients present TMJ pathologies.