Digitization in management of temporomandibular disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common disorders, with a multifactorial origin that affect the muscular, soft tissue and osseous components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patients may present with pain, joint sounds, limited or asymmetric mandibular movements, and different forms of disabilities which may severely affect the quality of life. The diagnosis of TMD is a complicated process which involves history taking, clinical examination, and imaging, in addition to biobehavioral and psychosocial assessments. As in other fields of dentistry, digitization has become an important aspect in the field of TMD diagnosis. The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has led to dramatic changes in the process of TMD diagnosis and altered the primary diagnosis in different studies.The use of modern digital occlusion analysis technologies to quantify occlusal forces might help in finding an answer to the question of whether dental occlusion is a contributing factor for TMD or not. The CBCT-based real-time jaw motion tracking systems and the real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the TMJ have enhanced the measuring of the 3D in vivo kinematics of the mandible for the hard tissue and soft tissue respectively which would potentially enhance the diagnostic process of TMD. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to improve the performance and productivity of medical practitioners by eliminating subjective interpretations and allowing for smart clinical decisions. AI applications in the field of TMD have achieved favorable results through the use of different neural networks. Digitization in the treatment of TMD involves the use of computer-assisted TMJ arthroscopy as a method of refinement to the technique. In addition, the use of customized design total TMJ prosthesis using 3D printing and CAD/CAM technologies has allowed the production of sophisticated customized TMJ prosthesis for a better treatment outcome.