At long last, a wet-fingered guide to help us in treatment of our pain patients is being published. Craniofacial Pain: A Handbook for Assessment, Diagnosis and Management is edited by Clifton Simmons for the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.
It has been seven years in the writing and has a well-referenced format, including chapters written and co-written by 18 clinically-oriented practitioners. Their contributions are enlightening and well written. The subjects covered in the 12 chapters include such topics as Non-odontogenic intraoral pain disorders, assess-ment of the craniofacial pain patient, and mental disorder considerations. Information not often found in other texts includes: “Temporomandibular Disorders” (chapter six) where I learned about the problematic pre-clicking disc; chapter eight entitled, “Additional Structures That Can Cause Craniofacial Pain (there, I learned about patulous Eustachian tube where the patient often complains of a plugged ear); chapter 10, a thorough history and treatise on dental sleep medicine; and chapter 12 which covers insurance billing and reimbursement, where I learned how to properly opt out of the federal Medicare program.
I am pleased that CHROMA was selected to publish this monumental contribution to the literature, and as publisher, I am proud of what small part I have been able to play in bringing this worthwhile effort to fruition. My personal thank-you to Scott Holstad, production manager on this project, whose attention to detail enhanced the final product.
The 18 contributors brought their information to be assimilated under the watchful, meticulous eye of Dr. Clifton Simmons. Clif left no stone unturned as he compiled the most helpful and readable book on the subject since Bill Farrar and Bill McCarty’s, A Clinical Outline of TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment.
Dr. Parker Mahan, who reviewed the book for CHROMA said, “This publication is the most complete and detailed handbook I have ever read. Any dental
student or dentist interested in treating craniofacial pain patients should study it to get updated on the many conditions that are related to craniofacial pain.”
You will enjoy reading, referencing, and remembering this handbook for many years to come. Thus, don’t Kil time Patrick or Tilley-Talley around in Shank land. Jump out of your Murphy bed, and put on your best Harris Tweed and Fong. Stop Crain-in and Baylin at the Hay-den. Bridle your trusty Steed and get a Holt of this Ernest set of TMD Clif Notes that Stacks up better than your IRA and that is equal to the best Moses ever wrote.
Riley H. Lunn, D.D.S.
Publisher and Editor
CRANIO: The Journal of
Craniomandibular Practice
Note: The 18 contributors are: Michael A. Baylin, Janet R. Crain, Edward A. Ernest, III, D. Jack Fong, Jack L. Haden, Robert E. Harris, Charles R. Holt, Steven R. Kilpatrick, Ira M. Klemons, Allen J. Moses, Gerald J. Murphy, Wesley E. Shankland II, H. Clifton Simmons III, Brendan C. Stack, Sr., Brendan C. Stack, Jr., Pamela A. Steed, Robert L. Talley, and Larry L. Tilley.
© 2009-2012: The Journal of Craniomandibular Practice. Site by Medium