TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT  CLINIC

Introduction

The TMJ Clinic at Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences was inaugurated on 5^th February, 2014 under the honourable presence of Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew Vazhayil, CEO of Pushpagiri group of Institutions and Rev. Fr. John Thomas Kandathinkal, Director Medicity. This is probably the first fully indigenised TMJ Clinic attached to a Dental College anywhere in India.

About 75% of the general population has temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Of this category, 5-10% has pain in relation to temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patient may have referred pain to head, ear, eyes, and various other associated structures. Because of the lack of awareness of TMD, patients seek treatment for headache, earache, etc. from various other specialities. But the patient gets only temporary relief on medical treatment for the pain and the doctor is usually clueless as to the epicentre of the pain which is usually the TMJ.  A chronic pain disorder inevitably ensues.

Present activities of TMJ clinic

TMJ Clinic concentrates on early identification and timely management of TMJ Disorders. At present, reversible treatment modalities like TENS therapy and Splint therapy and T-Scan are available in TMJ Clinic.

T-scan is a digital occlusal analysis system to find out occlusal interferences.

Occlusal interferences being a strong etiological factor in TMJ disorders it is imperative to have a T-Scan to evaluate occlusal condition and for planning effective irreversible treatment modalities like occlusal equilibration, Full mouth rehabilitation etc. So, T-Scan is essential for a modern TMJ Clinic. 

Departments involved

T- scan is very useful in the different Dental departments especially in PROSTHODONTICS, ORTHODONTICS, PERIODONTICS AND CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY and OMFS.

Chief co-ordinator

Dr Annie Susan Thomas

Aims and objectives

To treat patients with

1. Muscular disorders of TMJ
2. Intracapsular defects of TMJ

     3. Occlusal equilibration

     4. For checking occlusion after crowns, FPD, full mouth rehabilitation and restorative treatments.

     5. After orthodontic treatment

     6. Check traumatic occlusion in periodontics.

     7. To check occlusion after orthognathic surgery.

Interns, PGs and DORA students posted in the department are attending this clinic on a rotatory basis.