Dear Orofacial Pain Insider,
Scoliosis may predispose patients to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The study, published on December 9 in Clinical Radiology, is believed to be the first to explore the link between the spine deformity and ultrasound-based temporomandibular joint (TMJ) screening. Read more in our Insider Exclusive.
In other TMD news, a study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation revealed that using intermaxillary elastics with clear aligners may cause TMDs or worsen pain associated with them.
Additionally, the University of New England College of Dental Medicine, led by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, has received a $4.4 million grant to study pain development after oral procedures, including tooth extractions and root canals.
Did you know that cannabidiol (CBD), a nonaddictive, nonpsychoactive component of the marijuana plant, may reduce severe dental pain? The study, which was recently published in Journal of Dental Research, is believed to be the first randomized clinical trial testing CBD for the management of emergency dental pain.
Finally, there’s good and bad news about the opioid prescribing patterns of dentists and oral surgeons in the U.S. Dental patients were less likely to be prescribed opioids today than they were a few years ago, but millions were prescribed to patients in 2022, according to new research.
Melissa Busch
Associate Editor
