Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is a collective term for a number of pathologic conditions of the masticatory system. Their symptomatology is diverse, with orofacial pain being one of the most common symptoms which causes a particular discomfort to the patients. Often, TMDs have a very clear etiology, but sometimes it is completely unknown. They are related to different etiologic factors and comorbid conditions, which aggravates precise diagnostics. This pathology requires team work and a multidisciplinary approach, timely detection of causes and a meticulous selection of treatment procedures, particularly for management of orofacial pain, which can be very demanding in terms of differential diagnostics. There are certain facts which are still unclear; hence notable improvements in approaching this issue are expected. The existing diagnostic classification should be changed and primarily based on etiology instead of symptomatology, which is the current tendency. Also, uniform diagnostic guidelines as well as treatment protocols should be established and that would enhance a multidisciplinary collaboration, which is essential while dealing with this kind of pathology. Special attention should be paid to the development of preventive measures based on scientific evidence that is still neglected.