Issue |
J Dentofacial Anom Orthod
Volume 14, Number 2, June 2011
T.M.D. and D.F.O.
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Article Number | 205 | |
Number of page(s) | 17 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/odfen/2011204 | |
Published online | 08 December 2011 |
Emergency consultations for malfunctions of the masticatory apparatus
Address for correspondence: O. LAPLANCHE, UFR d’Odontologie de Nice, 24 avenue des Diables-Bleus, 06300 Nice. olivier.laplanche@unice.fr
The masticatory apparatus, which serves numerous functions in the life of humans, is constantly active and, as a result, can be the victim of a variety of malfunctions, even trauma. which occurs suddenly, often brutally enough to provoke patients to seek a consultation with a specialist in the masticatory apparatus, that is, an orthodontist.
What attitude should we adopt when examining a patient with myalgia, a subluxated or ‘‘locked’’ mandible, or sudden onset of arthralgia, pain in the temperomandibular joint? Finesse in clinical diagnosis and a profound knowledge of disorders of the masticatory apparatus are essentials in dealing with emergency visits from patients who have suffered a traumatic incident. We should devise prompt, prudent, and appropriate treatment to help them.
Key words: Emergency / Therapy / Disorders of the masticatory apparatus / Limited opening of the jaw / Locking or subluxation of the mandible
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