Townie Book Review: TMD from A to Z

The Manual of Tempromandibular Disorders is the first book of its kind that can be read safely in a reclined position. Dr. Wright taught TMD diagnosis and treatment to over one hundred dental residents in the US Air Force. He has continued his teaching mission as a civilian faculty member of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His wealth of experience provided the relevant material for this book. This is not an academic discussion of TMD as mysterious witchcraft, rather, it is a clear, clinically based guide to diagnosing, understanding and treating TMD as they present in your office.

Dr. Wright’s background as a teacher shines through the well-organized material and the numerous “Quick Consults,” “Focal Points” and “Technical Tips” in each chapter. His writing style is appropriate for his intended audience: clinical dentists. This manual is a practical guide to TMD that also identifies other serious medical conditions that may mimic TMD and require a speedy referral. For example, the combination of unexplained weight loss, palpable scalp tenderness, visual loss, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes and age greater than 50, may indicate the patient is suffering from giant cell arteritis––a condition which leads to blindness if untreated.

The first section of the book addresses the initial patient evaluation, including a detailed questionnaire that provides many clues to diagnosis. Next, he addresses the acute presentations of TMD and the related treatments. In Part III, he describes Occlusal Appliance Therapy including examples of the options available. The largest section of the book is Part IV, Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach. The five chapters of this section are Self-management Therapy, Physical Medicine, Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention, Pharmacological Management, Other Dental Procedures and Integrating Multidisciplinary Therapies. Each chapter of the book starts with a short list of FAQs and answers related to the topic of discussion. My favorite section of the book is Part V, Case Scenarios. There are 18 different cases presented with a discussion detailing the presentation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Many readers will wonder if Dr. Wright has been to their office when they finish this section.

There are 12 useful appendices in this book that the author has also wisely made available online. The Initial Patient Questionnaire, Posture Improvement Exercises and Working with Insurance Companies, to name a few. The Manual of Tempromandibular Disorders is the most comprehensive, clinically relevant guide I have read on this subject. Now, don’t forget to put your occlusal appliance in your mouth before you fall asleep!

At A Glance
Manual of Tempromandibular Disorders
By Edward F. Wright, DDS, MS, MAGD
Published 2005 • 338 pages • $99.99 www.blackwellpublishing.com

Thomas J. Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD is a general dentist in Chandler, AZ who owns a private practice with his wife, Grace Giacobbi, DDS. Originally from upstate New York, Drs. Giacobbi are 1995 graduates of SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Please send comments or questions to DrTom@ChandlerDentalHealth.com. Send items to be considered for review to 1035 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 206, Chandler, AZ 85248.