Use of local or systemic biomarkers to diagnose or monitor improvements in therapy of TMJ disorders: A prosthodontic perspective.

Abstract Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) frequently lead to pain and jaw dysfunction, impacting daily life for many individuals. Traditional diagnostic approaches, relying on examinations and imaging, often fall short in capturing early disease and guiding complex care. There is a pressing need for more objective, sensitive tools, which has driven interest in biomarkers—measurable biological indicators found in saliva, blood, and joint fluid. Objectives: This review aims to examine how local and systemic biomarkers can be used to improve detection, track therapy response, and customize prosthodontic treatments for TMDs. The goal is to highlight their utility and the technological advances shaping modern clinical practice. Methods: A thematic literature review was undertaken using major medical databases, focusing on studies from 2006 to 2025 that discussed biomarker identification, analysis, and clinical deployment in TMDs. Summary of Evidences: Evidence shows that biomarkers like inflammatory cytokines, nerve growth factors, and markers of tissue breakdown can give reliable clues about disease presence and progression. Non-invasive methods such as saliva and blood tests are increasingly feasible, and advanced point-of-care devices, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence now support more personalized, predictive care. Conclusions: Incorporating biomarker analysis into prosthodontic care for TMDs has clear benefits, enabling more personalized and effective treatment. Further research and collaboration are key to bringing these promising tools into routine clinical use. Keywords: Biomarkers, Personalized medicine, Salivary diagnostics, Synovial fluid, Temporomandibular disorders.