American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (www.aaoms.org). Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws. This organization represents oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS's) and their patients in matters of public health, education, and research.
American Dental Association (www.ada.org). Founded in 1859, the ADA represents 7 out of every 10 dentists in the United States. The ADA is the professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science, and professional advancement.
In terms of TMJ, the rebuilding of the temporomandibular joint, utilizing man-made materials. Typically a metal is used, with a preference given to a Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloy. Reconstruction can be for either the fossa-eminence (partial) or both the fossa-eminence and condyle (total).
An abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones in a joint. When used in the context of temporomandibular joint, it is also known as "fusing" and affects both the fossa-eminence and the condyle.
With respect to the TMJ, the rebuilding of the temporomandibular joint, utilizing organic materials, typically retrieved in-vivo from the patient. Examples include rib grafts, toe bones, and dermis. This type of reconstruction has shown poor results over the past several decades.
A prosthetic implant device typically manufactured for use in total joint reconstruction. (Though rare, there are instances where a metal condyle prosthesis has been placed against the natural fossa-eminence.) The condyle prosthesis, made of Co-Cr-Mo, is designed to be placed on the neck of the lower jaw bone. It allows the condyle to articulate against the fossa-eminence prosthesis, and is intended to increase jaw opening and reduce pain.
The head of the lower jawbone, which in conjunction with the temporal bone (fossa-eminence) forms the temporomandibular joint. This joint is responsible for the lower jaw's ability to open vertically and shift laterally.
CT (computed tomography), sometimes called CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body, and then uses computer processing to create a cross-section of body tissues, organs, and bony anatomy.
A healthcare professional who has earned their MD (Medical Doctor), as well as DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree.
The temporal bone, which in conjunction with the lower jawbone (the condyle), forms the temporomandibular joint. This joint is responsible for the lower jaw's ability to open vertically and shift laterally. Also the upper part of a total joint reconstruction, where the Condylar Prosthesis functions against the Fossa Eminence Prosthesis.
A prosthetic implant device manufactured for use in partial joint reconstruction. The fossa-eminence prosthesis, made of Co-Cr-Mo, is designed to be placed on the base of the temporal bone. It allows the natural condyle to articulate along its highly polished surface, and is intended to increase jaw opening and reduce pain.
Surgical repair of a joint, in which one joint surface is replaced with artificial material, usually made of metal. In the case of the TMJ, when only the fossa-eminence is reconstructed with a metal implant (partial joint reconstruction). See also, fossa-eminence prosthesis.
A dislocated jaw or displaced disc, or injury to the condyle. Degrees of internal derangement are typically measured under the Wilkes Classification, using the following stages:
Stage I - Early, painless clicking and no restricted motion.Stage II - Early/Intermediate, occasional painful clicking, intermittent locking, and headaches.Stage III - Intermediate, frequent pain, joint tenderness, headaches, locking, restricted motion, and painful chewing.Stage IV - Intermediate/Late, chronic pain, headache, and restricted motion.Stage V - Late, variable pain, joint crepitus, and painful function.
After four years of dental school, OMS's receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth and neck. (May be a DDS, DMD, DDS MD, or DMD MD.)
A dentist specializing in the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth. Oftentimes the dental professional that may identify signs of TMJ disorders and who may refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. (See website for American Association of Orthodontists at www.braces.org)
A surgical procedure which replaces the natural disc found in the fossa-eminence with a metal implant. The natural condyle is then able to articulate normally against the highly polished surface of the prosthesis placed against the temporal bone. Indicated for loss of jaw opening and for pain reduction.
A group of prosthetic implant devices (fossa-eminence or condyle) manufactured specifically to fit an individual's anatomy. Co-Cr-Mo implants are made from three-dimensional CT scans that have been converted into stereolithographic anatomical models. These types of prostheses are indicated for cases of advanced disease progression, prior implant failure (autogenous or alloplastic), or trauma.
A dental professional who has received advanced training in the area of diagnosing and treatment of gum disease. This type of dentist may refer a patient with temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. (See website for American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org)
A dental professional who works within the branch of dentistry dealing with the replacement of teeth and related mouth or jaw structures by artificial devices. In the area of TMJ, this type of dentist may work with the patient regarding different types of implant devices. (See website for American College of Prosthodontists at www.prosthodontics.org)
The correction, by surgical means, of an area of the anatomy that has been previously operated upon. In the case of the TMJ, this may be due to several factors including: continued degeneration of the joint from the disease process, failed previous autogenous implants, or transition from a partial joint implant to a total joint implant.
Also known as SLA, a laser-driven polymerization process that fabricates a highly precise and anatomically correct model. The model is generated from a three-dimensional reconstruction of a patient's CT scan. The use of this technology allows surgeons, prostheses designers, and manufacturers to develop devices that will best suit the unique patient.
A group of prosthetic implant devices (fossa-eminence or condyle) pre-manufactured in a variety of configurations, and intended to fit the majority of TMJ patients. TMJ Implants, Inc. furnishes 44 fossa-eminence varieties (right or left) and 3 condylar sizes (universal) all made of Co-Cr-Mo.
The joint formed between the head of the lower jawbone (the condyle) and the temporal bone (fossa-eminence). Also referred to as the "articulation temporomandibularis" and the "mandibular joint." This joint is responsible for the lower jaw's ability to open vertically and shift laterally.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to a medical and dental condition in which pain and discomfort affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or the muscles, as well as contiguous tissue components. For some patients this pain is severe and unrelenting. The symptoms include clicking or popping of the jaw joints, pain in or around the jaw joints, locking or limited opening of the mouth, headaches, pain behind the eyes, dizziness, earaches or ringing in the ears, clenching or grinding of the teeth, neck, shoulder or back pain, and numbness, or tingling of the fingers.
A surgical procedure which replaces the natural disc found lying between the fossa-eminence and the head of the mandible (condyle) with metal implants. The metal condyle is then able to articulate normally against the highly polished surface of the prosthesis placed against the temporal bone. Indicated for extreme loss of jaw opening and for pain reduction.
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TMJ Implants, Inc. — 17301 W Colfax Ave — Golden CO — 80401
Co-Cr-Mo
