D R A
F T
The Forsyth Institute
Workshop on Current TMJ Research
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
12:00 – 4:00
The purpose of
this workshop is to provide a forum for presenting some of the most recent
research developments in the field of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and
diseases associated with this area of the craniofacial complex being conducted
by scientists in the greater
The Temporomandibular Joint is a complex joint located where the movable lower jaw becomes linked to the skull. This joint provides for an extremely wide range of motions that accommodate not only the process of chewing (which we tend to think of immediately as the primary function of this joint), which process in itself requires several dimensions of movement, but also the intricate process of speaking, making possible the delicate movements necessary to shape the oral cavity to create the tonal sounds of speaking. Thus, dysfunction of this joint, and pain associated with that dysfunction, can impact in a significant way some of the most important activities we need to exist: intake of nourishment, and expression of thoughts. In addition, the morbidity of the pain can be totally distracting for life.
The diseases and symptoms associated with the TMJ afflict un-counted millions of individuals throughout the world, inflicting a range of symptoms spanning from mild discomfort all the way to total morbidity and complete inability to function due to the pain and dysfunction of the TMJ. TMJ diseases respect no age, gender, or ethnicity. The problems seem to have associations with other medical conditions in many of the victims. Yet, little is known about TMJ diseases, their origin, cause, and certainly treatment. Even within the community of those attempting to provide palliative treatment for TMJ diseases, there is inadequate agreement even as to what exactly constitutes TMJ diseases. Thus, here is yet another unsung, debilitating, and frequently totally distracting human disease for which there is no agreed-upon definition, no valid treatment, and no understanding of the cause(s). And this at a time when the condition has been identified for more than 80 years.
It is clear that the issue of TMJ disease would benefit from a number of endeavors, starting with a common definition, a survey of the extent of the problem throughout the world, and fresh, fundamental bio-medical research on the TMJ itself as well as the factors and influences that result in disease(s) of this joint.
Efforts are being made in all these areas to try to resolve TMJ diseases. Each, however, is in its nascent stage, and results that could be helpful to those suffering from TMJ disease remain yet in the future.
In the
Presenters at the workshop will be:
Lin Xu, MD, PhD
Staff Associate
Fellow, Milton and Renee Glass Fellowship in TMJ Research
Forsyth Institute
Alexandre Facanha M. Da Silva, DMSc
Instructor in Psychiatry
Patricia Purcell, PhD
Research Fellow in Genetics
Harvard Institutes of Medicine
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
The anticipated audience for this workshop will include researchers and clinicians from:
Forsyth Institute
Harvard School of Dental medicine
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Sponsorship will be sought from:
Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Diseases
Blue Cross Blue
Shield of
Delta Dental of
The program will be as follows:
12:00 – 12:10
Welcome and Introductions Dr. Dominick P. DePaola,
President and CEO, Forsyth Institute
12:10 – 12:20
Response Milton & Renee Glass
12:20 – 1:20
Presentation #1* Dr. Lin Xu
1:20 – 2:20
Presentation #2* Dr. Patricia Purcell
2:20 – 2:35
Break
2:35 – 3:35
Presentation #3* Dr. Alexander DaSilva
3:35 – 3:55
Discussion Dr. Philip Stashenko
Vice President for Research and Development
3:55 – 4:00
Closing Comments Dr. Richard Pharo
4:00
Reception
* - All presentations will include limited time for Q&A