Inflammatory temporomandibular joint diseases of rheumatoid origin

Inflammatory rheumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases often present a challenge for the dentist. Initially, the symptoms and the course of the disease are similar to other forms of inflammatory TMJ diseases (eg, osteoarthritis with articular disc displacement). It is often the case that only slight occlusal interferences are observed initially. These are then mistakenly considered to be the cause of the TMJ symptoms. If untreated, however, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to massive destruction in the region of the TMJs, which can then lead to major changes in the occlusal area and even to pronounced dysgnathia. Therapies initiated in good time can prevent consequential damage or enable partial remodeling in the area of the TMJs. Keywords: inflammatory temporomandibular joint diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, classification scheme