The use of hypnosis in treating the temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome. Report of two cases.

This article, jointly authored by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a psychiatrist, presents two case studies of conjoint treatment of the temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome. The authors present a short review from the literature that supports the multifactorial etiology of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and provide, in two case studies, a combination of conservative dental treatment and hypnotherapy. The two case studies show a successful resolution of temporomandibular joint dysfunction with hypnosis in one case and failure of hypnotherapy to relieve the pain in a second case. Reasons for the success and failure are discussed. The article closes with some thoughts and ideas that dental practitioners can use in treating temporomandibular joint pain via hypnosis.