Dentists spend hours and hours in the anatomy lab...their first semester of dental school. Our expertise in dental anatomy improves with clinical practice, but since we rarely have to deal with what lies under the skin and oral mucosa, it is easy to forget the basics of gross anatomy of the head and neck that we once had memorized. However, a strong understanding of gross anatomy is critical to many aspects of general dentistry; from every day procedures like local anesthesia, to more seemingly complex issues like craniofacial pain and TMJ disorders. This lecture pulls back the skin to reveal the underlying anatomy and how this anatomy is related to every day practice.
Covering embryology, osteology, myology, neurology and the complexities of the TM Joints, with a brief discussion of the true definition of Centric Relation, the dental professional will leave the lecture with a much better practical knowledge of the anatomy that they interact with every day.
Learning Objectives:
Review the embryology related to head and neck anatomy.
Review the osteology of the skull and TMJ.
Review the muscles of mastication and connections to bruxism and clenching.
Understand the normal anatomy and internal derangements of the TM joints.