Advancing diagnostic approaches for temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular diseases and disorders, commonly referred to as ‘TMJ’, represent a family of complex and poorly understood health problems manifested by pain in and around the jaw and associated muscles, and limitations in the ability to make the normal movements of speech, facial expression, eating, chewing, and swallowing. One of the critical needs in this field is to develop scientifically validated guidelines for their diagnosis. In Advancing Diagnostic Approaches for TMJ Disorders, scientists from different disciplines collaborate to provide an understanding of the needs and challenges currently faced in the diagnosis of temporomandibular diseases and disorders. Papers in this volume assess current methods and explore new ways to define the TMJ vulnerable population through the utilization of new and emerging technologies provided through bioengineering, bio- imaging, and computational biology. Since it is estimated that ten million people in the United States have signs of TMJs, all medical practitioners should be encouraged to read this publication. It should be of special interest to all dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and primary care physicians, who are most likely to see these patients first, and to orthopedists and pain specialists.