[Spear Education] Piper Classification and TMJ Imaging with Dr McKee – PDP080

Stop taking OPGs/Panoral radiographs for TMD…they have limited benefit! In this episode I discuss the Piper Classification of TMJ with Dr Jim McKee from the Spear faculty. We also cover exactly when and why imaging of the TMJ may be beneficial (MRIs and CBCTs). I have found the Piper classification easy to implement and I hope this episode helps you understand it. https://youtu.be/n4lRWAQeA5A Check out full episode on YouTube Protrusive Dental Pearl: Observe the patient’s path of opening. If someone’s jaw opening makes a ‘V’ shape, that’s a DEVIATION. If someone’s jaw opens, and then it goes all the way to one side, and it doesn’t go back to the middle, that’s a DEFLECTION. If you want to Download the PDF version of the Piper Classification of TMJ Infographic we made, click here! Piper Classification PDF Dr Jim McKee is part of Spear Education – a platform that has taught me so much of my occlusion. In this episode I asked Dr. Jim McKee: What is the Piper Classification of TMJ? What are the risks of having to rehabilitate someone where you haven’t the health of the TMJ? (19:22) Are there any other useful TMD classifications? (21:01) Is there any benefit of taking a Panoral radiograph? (24:48) What is the difference between an MRI and CBCT for someone with a TMJ pathology? (26:51) What type of imaging is best for TMD? (28:58) What additional information can a CBCT provide above an MRI? (33:59) How do we decide the most appropriate imaging technique? (35:22) Dr McKee’s thoughts on idiopathic condylar resorption in adult patients? (32:58) Should we be taking routine MRI/CBCT for TMJ health diagnosis? Or only for patients who have a joint based history? (36:62) Is there a clinical way to determine which classifications patients are in (Piper III vs Piper IV)? (39:23) Is TMJ disorder always a progressive disorder? (40:51) How to manage asymptomatic clicks? (42:17) Deviation or Deflection as part of full workup and imaging of the way to get the exact diagnosis? (44:07) How does the Piper classification influence Restorative management? (47:12) If you enjoyed this episode, check out TMJ Physiotherapy – When to Refer and How They can Help  Check out SPEAR EDUCATION, a two-day seminar, where Dr. Jim McKee teaches 25% of the course!