The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the mandible to the skull. The image below shows the anatomy. The joints are essential for jaw movements. TMJ Disorders TMJ disorders are common and cover musculoskeletal conditions impacting the muscles of mastication and the TMJ. Causes are multifactorial and related to anatomy, trauma, grinding or clenching of the teeth
Problems with salivary glands are often seen at GPs and in emergency departments. It is important to be able to differentiate between different causes of facial pain and swelling. Anatomy There are 6 main salivary glands (3 pairs); parotid, submandibular and sublingual. There are hundreds of other minor salivary glands throughout the mouth. The parotid
Patients often present to GP practices with oral lesions as they may struggle to get a dental appointment. It is important to know which lesions need to be referred and which lesions are potentially serious and need an urgent 2WW referral. Ulcers Ulcers indicate a break in the oral mucosa. Oral ulcers are very common
Facial trauma commonly presents in Emergency Departments and primary care. More advanced facial trauma will be redirected to major trauma centres. Due to the proximity to vital structures, it is essential to be able to assess these injuries appropriately and escalate accordingly. History If the patient is stable, it is important to start with a
Facial pain is common, and it can be not easy to form a certain diagnosis. In this article, we will provide a differential for the causes of facial pain and key features to consider. These rely on a thorough pain history, followed by examination and investigations as necessary. If the cause of pain is unclear
Orofacial infections are a common A&E presentation and are often due to a dental source. Due to the proximity of the airway and the potential for compromise, it is essential to be able to distinguish between abscesses which need further attention and swellings that can be treated by dentists in the community. Differentials for Orofacial
In the webinar below, Dr Sam Kular (interventional radiology fellow) provides a structured approach to CT head interpretation, with an overview of common cases & pitfalls.
This article aims to give basic information on the assessment of dental trauma to enable the reader to both recognise and communicate injuries correctly with the appropriate speciality. Do not forget assessment for other injuries, especially the face, head and neck, brain, and C-spine. Dental trauma can have life-changing physical and psycho-social consequences, appropriate early
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a mouthful (no pun intended), but you may have heard of it referred to as OMFS or, more affectionately, Maxfacs. A speciality of the head and neck, you will often hear Maxfacs trainees joke about how their job starts above the clavicle. Introduction My own path started when I heard
A very quick guide to common issues prompting referrals to maxillofacial surgery (aka MaxFax and OMFS) This is a surgical speciality relating to the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck; with close links to ENT and neurosurgery. To become a higher trainee in MaxFax you must be dual qualified in medicine and
