General dentistry
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The general dentist's ability to perform an anesthesia block of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be very beneficial, especially when trying to diagnose or treat patients with temporomandibular dysfunction who have joint and/or muscle pain. There are three common types of internal joint disorders--orthopedic, inflammatory, and degenerative--producing pain in the ligaments, TMJ capsule, or retrodiscal tissues. ⋯ Dentists providing care for these individuals may need to schedule longer appointments and deal with mid-treatment facial or TMJ pain as well as more postoperative discomfort. An anesthesia block for the TMJ can reduce pain and protective muscle splinting, increase the mandibular range of motion, and assist in providing a more manageable treatment.