Management of craniomandibular disorders. Part II: Clinical assessment of patients with craniocervical dysfunction.

Comprehensive evaluation of mandibular function requires a broader assessment of the head, neck, and jaws than is normally performed. Examining only the teeth and periodontium will fail to assess problems in muscles and joints, which should be considered in the management plan. Recognition of function-related symptoms is important in the prediction of treatment outcomes. Stress-induced muscle tension and traumatic oral habits may be linked with reported symptoms of headache, earache, and temporomandibular joint problems, and the significance of these symptoms should be assessed through detailed clinical examination.