No abstract

Temporomandibular disorder is a broad term encompassing pain and/or dysfunction of the masticatory musculature and the temporomandibular joints. Pain arising from a temporomandibular disorder is a common reason for seeking dental care. It is essential that dental practitioners are able to accurately diagnose and manage this condition. Identifying people at highest risk of developing a temporomandibular disorder and knowing which procedures are more likely to initiate or exacerbate a temporomandibular disorder, are important to reduce the likelihood of its acute and chronic presentation. The aim of this paper is to provide the dental practitioner with a clinical guideline for reference including practical tools to examine, diagnose and manage patients with temporomandibular disorder. In addition the risk profile of patients and procedures is explored to help minimize the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders and mitigate its symptoms. The scope of the dental practitioner in the management of acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders is presented, with guidance about when referral to a specialist is indicated.

This case report describes an adverse side effect from long‐term denosumab therapy in a patient with metastatic breast cancer. The patient presented with extensive invasive cervical root resorption affecting most of her dentition. There were no other identified risk factors. As the treatment of breast cancer evolves leading to improved survival, and the number of cancer survivors increases, it is expected that dental practitioners will see a growing number of patients who are on long‐term denosumab. Comprehensive dental examinations including radiographs are warranted to identify unusual or unexpected findings such as invasive cervical root resorption. © 2022 Australian Dental Association