1 Credit Hour

This lecture will provide a comprehensive review of temporomandibular join (TMJ) physiology and anatomy. It will examine multifactorial pathologic progression from a normal joint function to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) breakdown. A discussion of concepts including neuromuscular and physiological and air-way related influences will be included to have a better understanding why there is a connection between TMD and Sleep Related Breathing Disorder.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate normal TMJ functions from TMD pathology.
• Identify the multifactorial causes leading to TMD and breakdown of TMJ.
• Develop a systemic approach to recognizing clinical signs, symptoms and risk factors associated with TMD.
• Discuss some treatment methods and therapeutic modalities.

Dr. John Pawlowicz is a 1993 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Montefiore Hospital. He has achieved Mastership and Fellowship status with ICCMO (International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics), Fellowship status with LVI (Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies), and is on the Mastership track with the AGD. Dr. Pawlowicz is a member of the ADA and the PDA, and has served as President of the Dental Society of Western PA. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, and the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. Dr. Pawlowicz is a Featured Speaker and Clinical Instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, speaking on the topics of OSA, snoring, complex occlusal studies, adhesive dentistry, and TMD. Dr. Pawlowicz has retired from a full-time private practice in Lyndora and Mars, PA, and now performs in-office consultation for dentists with patients that present with and suffer from complicated TMD issues, occlusal disharmony, and sleep-related breathing disorder health problems. He spends his leisure time staying current with the latest trends in dentistry and medicine and occasionally plays golf. He and his family regularly volunteer on behalf of Catholic Charities and their home Parish. He lives north of Pittsburgh with his wife and has two children both in college.

Dr. Pawlowicz has not financial relationships relevant to this presentation to disclose. 

Dental Society of Western PA is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider Approved by Pennsylvania Dental Association.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Dental Society of Western PA designates this activity for 6 continuing education credits.