Functional disorders and diseases of the temporomandibular joint

In symptom pattern complexes around the temporomandibular joint a basic differentiation is made between functional disorders and diseases. Whereas many functional disorders can be conservatively treated, temporomandibular joint diseases often represent indications for operative treatment. The task of oral and maxillofacial surgeons is to filter out patients who are accessible to surgical treatment and who can sustainably benefit from it. Patients who are unsuitable for surgical treatment should be offered another pathway involving further diagnostics and therapy even in other disciplines. This article describes the symptoms and diagnostics of individual symptom patterns and presents the corresponding therapeutic options.