Temporomandibular Disorders of Iatrogenic Etiology

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a heterogeneous chronic systemic disease based on genetic, immunological, anatomical, morphological, and functional disorders of the articulatory norm. The task of the diagnostic stage is to identify direct (inherent in only one nosological form) and indirect (occurring in two or more nosological forms) etiological risks that transform into pathogenetic factors and TMDs. The transformation of the pathogenetic horizon of TMDs does characterize by the implementation of a scenario leading to the formation of three nosological forms of the disease: articular and nonarticular lesions of TMJ, and TMDs of iatrogenic etiology. TMDs of iatrogenic etiology constitute the most severe group of patients. Failure to identify biological, technological, and communication iatrogenic risks at the diagnostic stage is the main reason for triggering TMDs of iatrogenic etiology. The transformation of iatrogenic risks into iatrogenic pathogenetic factors leads to the formation of iatrogenic disease. A specialist working with this group of patients must have the necessary competence to make clinical decisions in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients of this profile, including maxillofacial surgery and psychological counseling. Timely diagnosis of iatrogenic risks is the only preventive measure that prevents the development of iatrogenic TMDs. The therapy of TMDs of iatrogenic etiology does base on an interdisciplinary approach’s principles.