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Open research questions in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

150 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 3,138 Temporomandibular Joint Disorders papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Background Glucosamine has been proposed as a therapeutic option for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), particularly temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA), but its effectiveness and safety remain uncertain.

    Glucosamine supplementation in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Psychological stress consistently increased masticatory muscle EMG in both human and animal models, although some caution is warranted given the paucity of manipulation checks in the included studies.

    The effect of psychological stress on masticatory muscle electromyography—a scoping review · 2026 · DOI

  • Findings for the 661 participants were inconsistent: hypnosis-based interventions suggested potential reductions in pain intensity and psychological distress, whereas relaxation techniques showed mixed results, particularly when compared to standard treatments such as occlusal splints.

    Hypnosis and relaxation techniques in the management of temporomandibular disorders: a scoping review · 2026 · DOI

  • First, large-scale, multicenter pro- spective studies employing unified and internationally recognized diagnostic criteria for TMD (such as DC/ TMD) are warranted to further validate the diagnostic performance of the FAI and to establish more general- izable cutoff values.

    Diagnostic accuracy of the Fonseca anamnestic index for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Despite growing evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of LLLT in the management of TMD-related pain and dysfunction, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal energy density parameters to achieve the most favorable therapeutic outcomes.

    Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy at Different Energy Densities in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial · 2026 · DOI

  • The high prevalence of TMD, its association with occlusal disturbances, muscle hypertonus, and postural imbalance, as well as contradictory data on the correlation between structural and functional changes, necessitate the search for reproducible and non-invasive methods for the functional assessment of the joint.

    Development of a diagnostic system for assessing functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint · 2026 · DOI

  • Priorities include mm-based, harmonized reporting for swelling and trismus; standardized protocols for brand, cut pattern, number of pieces (notably five), orientation, and wear duration; adequately powered preregistered trials with blinded assessment or credible shams; fixed postoperative days through and beyond week 1; a core set of patient-reported outcomes with systematic capture of skin events; and a priori moderator analyses that reflect real-world choices.

    Effect of Kinesio Taping on pain, swelling and trismus after third molar surgical extraction: systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The retrospective design certainly introduces some level of selection bias despite blindness of the examiners. Lack of clinical patient examination is another important limita- tion, as diagnosis of TMD was established merely based on patients’ medical history. Although factors such as bruxism, asymmetry and TMD were exclusion criteria, the absence of formal clinical or radiographic TMD assessment may have allowed undetected cases. Additionally, voxel size and head positioning variations were not standardized due to 1 3Clinical Oral Investigations (2026) 30:242 242 Page 8 of 10 data availability, potentially affecting measurement preci- sion. Future prospective studies accompanied with clinical examination would further clarify the association between TMD, condylar dimensions and skeletal classifications. included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit h t t p : / / c r e a t i v e c o m m o n s . o r g / l i c e n s e s / b y / 4 . 0 / .

    The influence of different skeletal patterns on TMJ anatomy: a comprehensive CBCT study across various sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns in adults · 2026 · DOI

  • Several limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings of the present study. First, the study was conducted as a pilot investigation with a relatively small sample size, which may limit the statistical power and generalizability of the results to broader populations. Second, the cross-sectional design of the study does not allow determination of causal relationships between screen exposure and the development or progression of headache and musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, the observed associations should be interpreted as exploratory rather than definitive. Additionally, screen time exposure was assessed using self-reported measures, which may introduce recall bias or reporting inaccuracies. Variations in posture, type of device used, and ergonomic conditions during screen use were not objectively assessed and may represent additional confounding factors influencing musculoskeletal strain. Finally, the study population was recruited from a single institutional setting, which may limit the external validity of the findings.

    Impact of Daily Screen Time on Headache Patterns and Musculoskeletal Pain in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research involving larger sample sizes and multicentre recruitment is necessary to validate the associations observed in this pilot investigation. Longitudinal studies would be particularly valuable in determining whether prolonged screen exposure contributes to the onset or progression of TMD symptoms over time. Further studies incorporating objective assessments of screen exposure, ergonomic posture, and musculoskeletal loading may provide deeper insight into the biomechanical mechanisms linking digital device use with TMD- related symptoms. Additionally, evaluating the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions, digital-use modification strategies, and posture-correction programs may help determine whether behavioural modifications can reduce headache frequency and musculoskeletal pain in patients with TMDs. Understanding these relationships may ultimately contribute to the development of evidence-based preventive and therapeutic strategies addressing digital lifestyle factors in the management of TMD.

    Impact of Daily Screen Time on Headache Patterns and Musculoskeletal Pain in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Electroacupuncture versus other types of acupuncture Pharmacologic treatment is a common first-line approach for the treatment of TMJDs, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Recent studies have focused on comparing the efficacy of EA with conventional acupuncture and sham treatments in TMDs.

    Electroacupuncture for temporomandibular disorder-related pain: clinical evidence, mechanisms, and safety—a narrative review · 2026 · DOI

  • Despite the strengths of this systematic review and be meta-analysis, acknowledged: limitations several should 1. Clinical heterogeneity was present among included studies with respect to TMD subtypes, splint design anterior (stabilization, repositioning splints), and duration of splint usage. 2. Sample sizes in individual trials were relatively small, to detect modest centric, distraction, or the statistical power limiting intergroup differences. 3. Follow-up duration varied across studies, with limited availability of long-term (>12 months) outcome data. 4. Outcome assessment tools, particularly pain scales and functional measurements, were not uniformly standardized across studies. 5. Although most studies demonstrated low to moderate risk of bias, blinding of participants and personnel was inherently challenging due to the nature of splint therapy, potentially introducing performance bias. These limitations may have contributed to wide in pooled confidence estimates, warranting cautious interpretation of the results.

    Effectiveness of Arthrocentesis Combined with Occlusal Splint Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The study’s limitations include its non-randomized design, small sample size, and variable follow-up periods. Radiographic bone stability was not quantitatively analyzed, and histological confirmation of osseointegration was not performed. Future prospective studies with standardized protocols and longer follow-ups are warranted.

    Observational Study of Pterygoid, Zygomatic and Subperiosteal Implants: Treatment Strategies, Clinical Outcomes, and Complications for Severe Maxillary and Mandibular Atrophy · 2026 · DOI

  • 25 mm—within clini- cally acceptable limits, previous studies suggested that intra-arch distortion and polymerization shrinkage in DLP-retainers warrant further investigation, particularly through assessments of retainer fit on casts [27].

    Dimensional behaviors of direct-printed versus thermoformed clear retainers in relation to changes of inter-piece occlusal contact distribution measured by T-scan after intraoral aging: a prospective clinical study · 2026 · DOI

  • The nociplastic pain framework for understanding PIDAP is a recent conceptualization with important implications for future diagnostic system establishment and treatment strategy development including central-acting medications.

    Persistent Idiopathic Dentoalveolar Pain: An Educational Overview for Dental Students · 2026 · DOI

  • PIDAP is often overlooked in dental clinical settings; clinician awareness is critical to reducing misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment while minimizing diagnostic delay.

    Persistent Idiopathic Dentoalveolar Pain: An Educational Overview for Dental Students · 2026 · DOI

  • This study should be interpreted in light of several limitations. The number of included trials was relatively small, and several outcomes were informed by only a limited subset of studies. Heterogeneity was substantial for some endpoints, particularly pain and satisfaction. Variation in splint type, digital workflow, patient selection, and follow-up duration may have influenced the pooled estimates. In addition, some clinically relevant outcomes, such as long-term durability, cost-effectiveness, and the recurrence of symptoms after discontinuation, were either inconsistently reported or unavailable for quantitative synthesis. Nonetheless, by restricting inclusion to randomized data, the present meta-analysis provides the highest level of comparative evidence currently available on this topic.

    Digital Versus Conventional Splints in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials · 2026 · DOI

  • In the next step, the optimal thickness of DPRs for long-term wearing of retainers needs to be investigated, consider- ing that increased thickness may make the special wear- ing protocol of DPRs more inconvenient during intraoral placement [24].

    Dimensional behaviors of direct-printed versus thermoformed clear retainers in relation to changes of inter-piece occlusal contact distribution measured by T-scan after intraoral aging: a prospective clinical study · 2026 · DOI

  • In addition, emerging evidence on genetic predisposition and neuroplasticity in chronic pain suggests that some patients may have an inherent vulnerability to developing persistent TMD symptoms, warranting further investigation.

    The changing landscape of temporomandibular disorder management: Beyond the mechanical mindset · 2025 · DOI

  • CONCLUSIONS: TMD instruction varies widely across responding programs, but recent curricula have expanded instructional hours, broadened scope, and increased opportunities for patient interaction compared to previous reports.

    Current status of temporomandibular disorders education in U.S. predoctoral dental curricula: A nationwide survey · 2025 · DOI

  • Background: In the literature, the relationship of the mandibular cortical index (MCI) with the stage and grade of periodontitis has not yet been investigated.

    Relationship Between the Mandibular Cortical Index and Periodontitis Stage/Grade: A Retrospective Radiographic Study · 2025 · DOI

  • There is a lack of agreement on whether MMA increases or diminishes in response to CAT though there is evidence this relationship may change over time due to muscle adaptation.

    Effect of orthodontic appliances on masticatory muscle activity · 2024 · DOI

  • There is limited and conflicting evidence regarding the impact of orthodontic appliances on masticatory muscle activity (MMA), jaw function, and oral parafunctional behaviours.

    Effect of orthodontic appliances on masticatory muscle activity · 2024 · DOI

  • However, further research with larger sample sizes and standardised outcome measures is warranted to establish definitive conclusions regarding the comparative efficacy of CBT versus standard treatments in TMD management.

    Comparative evaluation of cognitive behavioural therapy versus standard treatment in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review · 2024 · DOI

  • <h2>Abstract</h2> The relationship between psychological factors and the overall health of patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is evident, yet the specific impact of the presence of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) signs or symptoms is not fully understood.

    Evaluation of psychosocial aspects in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis · 2023 · DOI

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150 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 3,138 Temporomandibular Joint Disorders papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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