Reviewed by Alex Jacobson

This second edition soft-cover handbook contains evidence-based information designed to provide diagnostic and practical clinical treatment procedures for the many dental and medical conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and contiguous structures. Part I, “Initial evaluation,” comprises 5 chapters, beginning with the patient interview. A copy of the 31-item survey is included; the patient completes the questionnaire, which is later reviewed by the doctor with the patient. Various imaging procedures and indications are discussed, as are temporomandibular disorder (TMD) diagnostic categories and direct or indirect contributing factors to TMD symptoms. Part II begins with a chapter on common TMD conditions and treatment procedures. Next are chapters that discuss TMD secondary to trauma and dental treatment. Separate chapters are devoted to lateral pterygoid myospasm and TMJ disc dislocation. Part III is devoted to occlusal appliances designed to improve TMD symptoms. No less than 65 pages and 65 color photographs describe the fabrication and use of the stabilization appliance. The anterior positioning appliance, traditionally used for patients with disc displacement and reduction, is also shown and described.

Because TMD is multifactorial, many therapies have been shown to affect it in patients. Part IV describes some multidisciplinary treatment procedures, beginning with self-management therapy. Other procedures include physical medicine, cognitive-behavioral intervention, pharmacologic management, other dental procedures, and the integration of multidisciplinary therapies. In Part V, “Case scenarios,” the author presents 19 patients who were referred to him with TMD-like symptoms, although not all of them had TMD. This section is designed to help readers better identify patients without TMD symptoms and provide a better feel for how to integrate the various TMD therapies. Part VI describes the various procedures for designing and performing clinical studies. The book concludes by covering aspects such as referral criteria for hygienists, TMJ disc displacements, TMD self-management therapies, closure muscle-stretching exercises, examples of physical therapy, psychology consultations, and so on.

The text is concise, easy to read, and focuses on evidence-based and multidisciplinary treatment for most TMD patients. Accompanying the book is a CD that contains the recommended patient questionnaire and educational handouts. Also included on the CD is a 635-slide TMD course presentation and accompanying student manual. In all, it is an excellent investment for any dentist or dental specialist who treats TMD.