Júlio Fonseca
Articular disorders: from conservative to surgical treatment
- Licenced in Dentistry in 2004 by the Department of Dentistry – Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
- Post-graduated in Oral Prosthetic Rehabilitation by the Department of Dentistry – Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
- Master in Experimental Patology – Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal (thesis in the Bruxism area).
- PhD in Temporomandibular Disorders at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal (2020).
- Scientific and Pedagogical Coordinator of the Postgraduate Course in Orofacial Pain — Temporomandibular Dysfunction at CESPU.
- President of the “Sociedade Portuguesa de Disfunção Temporomandibular e Dor Orofacial’’ (SPDOF) between 2018-2024.
- President of the Scientific Committe of the ´”Sociedade Portuguesa de Disfunção Temporomandibular e Dor Orofacial’’ (SPDOF).
- Responsible for the Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders consultation at OrisClinic (Coimbra).
Nationality: Portugal
Scientific areas: Temporomandibular dysfunction and orofacial pain
7 of november, from 17h30 until 18h45
Auditorium C
Conference summary
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a heterogeneous group of psychophysiological disorders of the stomatognathic system. They include a wide spectrum of clinical, muscular, skeletal and/or related tissue problems, with interaction and relative influence between them, representing the most prevalent chronic orofacial pain condition.
Joint disorders are often manifested by arthralgia (pain), joint noises, movement disorders and mandibular limitation. They involve distinct entities such as articular disc displacements (the most common arthropathy of the TMJ), hypo or hypermobility disorders (adhesions, ankylosis, subluxation, etc.), degenerative diseases (arthritis, arthrosis), fractures, neoplasms and congenital or developmental disorders.
Conservative, non-invasive treatment should be the first approach in most cases, using combined strategies with cognitive-behavioral therapy, occlusal splints, physiotherapy and medication. However, in refractory situations, with progressive worsening, or in pathologies with first-line surgical indication (such as fractures, malformations, severe ankylosis, among others), surgical intervention becomes essential.
The therapeutic decision must, therefore, be based on the correct clinical and imaging evaluation, weighing the risks and benefits of the intervention.
This presentation, in a collaborative format between a Dentist and a Maxillofacial Surgeon, aims to address the most common joint disorders, the respective conservative and surgical approach protocols, and the importance of coordination between different specialties — including collaboration with the physiotherapist — for effective, individualized and integrated management of the pathology.