Gradient sequential treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common clinical disease in stomatology that occurs frequently in young people, mostly in women, with an incidence of approximately 30%; its clinical manifestations include mandibular dysfunction, regional pain, and clicking noises around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Some patients have tinnitus, headache and other symptoms. With regard to the treatment procedures of TMD, a gradient sequential treatment model is currently preferred, each of which has strict indications. Generally, conservative treatment or noninvasive treatment is preferred and is suitable for patients with dysfunction or mild organic disease. The second-choice minimally invasive treatment is suitable for patients who have failed conservative treatment or patients with mild organic disease. Finally, open surgery, which is suitable for patients who are not responsive to the first two treatments and show severe organic lesions, can be considered. The formulation of an open surgery treatment diagnosis and treatment plan should be personalized, led by doctors, and completed with the cooperation of patients. This article describes the “gradient sequential treatment” of temporomandibular joint disorders.