DDs, Dentistry Faculty Oporto University, 2001
MsC Oral Rehabilitation, Dentistry Faculty Oporto University, 2005
Fernando Pessoa University- Health Science Faculty Teacher, 2003
Chairman Dental Occlusion and Oral Motricity, Fernando Pessoa University- Health Science Faculty, 2005
Summary of the presentation
There are multiple temporomandibular joint (TMJ) situations that lead to emergency demand for dental care.
These might have origin in trauma or could be an acute episode from a chronic pathology.
In the first approach, the clinician should be able to tell if is facing a real emergency.
The situations resulting from orofacial trauma deserve full attention, because early intervention can minimize the damage.
In certain dental procedures, that requires a wide mouth opening or an extended time, joint changes may also occur.
In these situations, the clinician should be prepared to solve it immediately.
The existence of an emergency TMJ basic protocol is essential for any dentist.