TMJ dysfunction--principles of the clinical examination.

Determining if head pain is related to occlusal disharmony can be a challenge. A brief outline of the clinical examination of these patients was presented. Gross interceptive occlusal contacts should be corrected in all patients. The evaluation of signs and symptoms is the basis for determining whether to "adjust" the asymptomatic patient. Consideration should be given to the intensity of the occlusal disharmony, the level of anxiety, and the patient's adaptive response.