Just a Sample of Important Questions Answered

  1. When occlusion matters and HOW it matters.

  2. How masticatory cycles work and how those effects what we've been taught about the role of teeth and "fencing" -- and functionally generated paths.

  3. When should restorative therapy been considered for worn dentitions?

  4. What "causes" bruxism ... Fascinating. (Hint... it’s not malocclusion)

  5. In fact; what is the current definition of "bruxism" and how does that effect our thinking in terms of management. (It does!!!)

  6. How to deal with that patient who is a bit of an "occlusal neurotic." 

  7. How to prevent occlusal neuroticism, -- (Even MORE important!)

  8. How to deal with that patient whose chief complaints include: "My bite just isn't comfortable" -- Or..... "Doc... I have TWO bites!"

  9. What does "Stable occlusion" even mean and what we should avoid in terms of "stability" concepts

  10. How to deal with that patient who reports less efficient mastication after recent restorative therapy (Hint... no occlusal paper is involved in the treatment!)

  11. Why we never ask our patients if they grind or clench their teeth!

  12. How to manage that patient who reports "clicking" in the absence of pain -- and how that differs from the patient who has pain associated with the clicking.

  13. How to diagnose and manage degenerative changes of the TMJ.

  14. How to manage acute closed and open locks.

  15. How to avoid "occlusion" as being a major post restorative issue.

  16. How to treat that patient with sore joints or even sore neck upon wakening.

  17. Does treating apnea really resolve all bruxism issues?

  18. Certainly not one appliance design is appropriate for ALL situations. Learn why and how.

  19. Muscle tension headaches really have nothing to do with sore muscles! WHAT? How can we help with the diagnosis of primary headache?

  20. How is migraine diagnosed and how dentistry can possibly alter intensity and frequency of migraines -- without BOTOX injections! -- and while we are at it.. is BOTOX good for bruxism patients? If so. which ones, and when?

  21. What common medications are best used for supportive therapy?

  22. How to evaluate the report of dental pain in the absence of dental pathology/

  23. How can we as dentists treat patients who have a strong emotional component involved with their pain pattern?

  24. What steps can be taken in our first appointment procedure that can not only increase the likelihood of our helping the patient but makes our lives as health care practitioners dealing with difficult disorders less stressful.

  25. WHAT ARE THE RED FLAGS THAT SUGGEST THAT THIS IS THE RARE CASE THAT THE STRAIGHTFORWARD SIMPLE APPROACH WE UTLIZE NEEDS TO BE PRECEEDED BY A MORE COMPLETE EVALUATION OR REFERRAL?