Beyond the Bite Guard: When TMJ Pain Isn’t TMD | Orofacial Pain Diagnostic Pitfalls

Not all jaw pain or facial pain is a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Identifying the cause of orofacial pain is an essential step in determining when a bite guard or occlusal appliance is appropriate. In this True Function webinar, Dr. John Coburn presents “Beyond the Bite Guard: When ‘TMJ Pain’ Isn’t a TMJ Disorder,” exploring conditions that can mimic TMD and common diagnostic pitfalls that can lead to unnecessary or ineffective treatment. This session helps dental professionals strengthen their differential diagnosis, recognize clinical red flags, and take a practical, evidence-based approach before initiating occlusal appliance therapy. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to: • Differentiate musculoskeletal TMD from neuropathic, neurovascular, odontogenic, and medical causes of orofacial pain. • Recognize clinical red flags that warrant advanced imaging, medical referral, or urgent intervention. • Apply a practical diagnostic workflow before recommending an occlusal appliance. • Understand when further evaluation is needed to guide appropriate care. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dr. John Coburn is an oral medicine and orofacial pain clinician and founder of TMJ & Orofacial Pain, a referral-based specialty practice serving the Inland Northwest. He earned his DMD from Oregon Health & Science University and completed an MS in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at the University of Southern California. His work emphasizes accurate diagnosis, conservative management, and interdisciplinary care to help patients avoid unnecessary or irreversible dental treatment. Recorded September 10, 2026. Subscribe to True Function for more educational webinars and clinical insights. #OrofacialPain #TMJ #TMD #DifferentialDiagnosis #DentalEducation #TrueFunction