The therapy of craniomandibular and craniofacial
dysfunctions becomes increasingly important, also from the medical perspective.
Dysfunctions and functional pathologies in these regions may be accompanied by
various pathophysiological changes.
One of our aims, the systematic education of health professionals in the
assessment, treatment and management of patients with craniofacial
dysfunctions, is also found in the scientific statement of the German
Association for Dental, Oral and Orthodontic medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft
für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde).
|
 |
|
 |
It states:
Statement of the DGZMK V 1.0, dated 07/98
- the clinical and instrumental analysis of function is accepted as a
scientific diagnostic procedure.
It contributes to the
measurement of the degree of orofacial dysfunction and results in therapeutic
consequences for the restoration of function. Without functional analysis
dysfunctions and pathologies cannot be recognized
- the clinical functional analysis serves to assess the state of function
and the collaboration of teeth, muscles and temporomandibular joints as well as
to recognize dysfunctional symptoms and diseases.
Pathological changes of the teeth, the joints and the muscles are assessed by inspection, palpation and auscultation and consequences for a functional therapy apply.
The therapy
focuses on symptoms and causes for the symptoms
- regarding the medical consequences for the symptomatic but also for the
pathology related therapy, medical physical therapy is particularly relevant.
The principles of the treatment of the movement system also apply to the mandibulo-maxillary region. Functional physiotherapy requires an exact indication, appropriate instruction and thorough application. It may also serve as a treatment prior to necessary occlusional restoration or reconstruction with dental prostheses.
There is no doubt that
the treatment of craniomandibular dysfunctions and functional pathologies
requires an interdisciplinary dental and medical approach. Occlusional braces
and physical-medical methods are important components of the functional
therapy, and have shown to be successful in a number of scientific studies.
W.B. Freesemeyer (Berlin), B. Koeck (Bonn), Th. Reiber (Leipzig)
