Recommended Scientific Articles

Two very good "state-of-the-art" summaries, published in well-respected journals.

Orofacial Pain Management: Current Perspectives , Romero-Reyes, et al, Journal of Pain Research, July, 2014: 99-115

Medical Progress: Temporomandibular Disorders, Scrivani, S.J, et al, New England Journal of Medicine, Dec, 2008

Article on the efficacy of stabilization splint therapy in temporomandibular disorders:

SplintTherapy--Systematic Review, Taylor, Guinn, et al, American Equilibration Society, Jan, 2014

Articles on the correlation between estrogen and TMJ condylar resorption in females, as well as the histopathology of condylar resorption and very promising pharmacologic treatment approaches:

Oral Contraceptive Pill Use and Abnormal Menstrual Cycles in Women with Severe Condylar Resorption,  Gunson, Michael, and Arnett, Bill, American J. of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dec, 2009

Pathophysiology and Pharmacologic Control of Osseous Mandibular Condylar Resorption, Gunson, Arnett, Milam, J Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, 2012

Gunson and Arnett have broken new ground in demonstrating one explanation as to why so many of our female patients demonstrate idiopathic condylar resorption.  In their study of 27 females with aggressive condylar resorption, 26 of the 27 were either on birth control pills or were having very irregular periods, both of which deplete 17β-estradiol (natural estrogen).  They also suggest some promising treatment modalities for this very challenging condition.