FMR & TMD beyond the teeth

Abstract

This intensive two-day program, led by Dr. Łukasz Lassmann (DDS, PhD), equips prosthodontists and restorative dentists with essential knowledge and practical skills to manage complex full-mouth rehabilitations (FMR) while safely addressing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain. The conference day explores the fundamentals of orofacial pain and TMJ diagnosis from a prosthodontic perspective, including pain mechanisms, disc pathology, differentiation between muscular and articular issues, and radiological interpretation. It then introduces the innovative Smile Design and Space (SDS) Concept — a practical, evidence-based approach for determining the correct vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) based on smile analysis and material-specific space requirements. Additional topics cover multidisciplinary planning for severe tooth wear, deep bite, gummy smile, and orthodontic-prosthodontic collaboration.

The hands-on focuses on TMJ and masticatory muscle examination, simplified bite registration techniques, and a practical Leaf Gauge workshop with tips and tricks for daily clinical use. Participants will gain confidence in diagnosing TMD, increasing VDO predictably, and performing comprehensive reconstructions while minimizing risks and respecting biological limits. Ideal for clinicians seeking to elevate their FMR outcomes beyond the teeth.

Day 1

9:00-11:00
Understanding Orofacial Pain & TMJ - What Prosthodontist Should Know

• What is pain? How can a dentist correctly diagnose orofacial pain and assess whether it is treatable? How does the source of pain differ from the location of pain?
• How to conduct an interview with a patient suffering from pain.
• Disc pathology - how to differentiate it and when intervention is necessary
• How to distinguish between locks of muscle and articular origin
• Synovial pain map of the temporomandibular joint
• Radiological picture of disorders of the temporomandibular joint

11:30-13:00
SDS Concept

• What is SDS Concept
• Management of TMJ Space
• Controversies regarding centric relation from the perspective of diagnosis and therapy.
• Minimal required space for ceramic restoration
• Smile Design
• How to start treatment planning in severe tooth wear?
• Leaf gauge vs digital axiography
• 18mm rule in severe tooth wear
• Simple way to determine and register exact vertical occlusal dimension in the mouth

14:00-15:30
SDS Concept in Multidisciplinary Treatment

• SDS Concept - How can we simply determine correct Vertical Dimension of Occlusion on the basis of Smile Design and knowledge of a space required for specific materials.
• Treatment planning in severe attrition and gummy smile
• Cooperation between prosthodontist and orthodontist in cases with deep bite and gummy smile
• Orthodontic pretreatment in class 3 patients who require full mouth reconstruction.

16:00-17:30
Vertical Occlusal Dimension Mythology and Severe Attrition Treatment.

• Vertical occlusal dimension - what are the limitations ? Should we be „that” precise ?
• 5 red flags when increasing VDO
• Bite registration in severe wear cases
• Severe tooth wear cases
• What is the ferule effect and which part of the tooth is the most important?
• Biomechanics of damaged teeth
• What type of crown-root post to choose? Standard, fiberglass or cast post?
• Shoulderless preparation. Why ? How ? When ?

Day 2 

9:00-10:30
TMJ and Muscles of Mastication - Examination (Theory and Hands on)

11:00-13:00
BITE REGISTRATION - MAKE IT EASY

• Leaf gauge - What is it? When / should I use it? When not to use it?
• Tips & tricks of how to use leaf gauge
• Demonstration of working with the leaf gauge
• Leaf gauge workshop

Speaker

Dr. Lukas Lassmann

DDS, Phd

Academic Profile

Internationally active clinician–scientist specializing in full-mouth rehabilitation, occlusion and vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO), temporomandibular disorders (TMD), orofacial pain, and digital diagnostics. Experienced educator and invited speaker at universities and international scientific meetings worldwide. Editor and lead author of an upcoming comprehensive textbook on full-mouth rehabilitation.

Education & Postgraduate Training

PhD – Anatomical correlations between occlusion and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland

Postgraduate University Master – Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders

University of Siena, Italy

DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery

Academic and Clinical Appointments

Founder and Clinical Director – One&Only Clinic, Gdańsk, Poland
International referral center for complex prosthodontics, TMD, and orofacial pain.

Founder & Course Director – Lassmann Education (formerly Master Level)
Postgraduate continuing education programs in prosthodontics, occlusion, and TMD.

Research Interests

• Full‑mouth rehabilitation and complex occlusal reconstructions

• Vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and functional adaptation

• Temporomandibular disorders and chronic orofacial pain

• Occlusion–TMJ relationships and condylar guidance

• Digital axiography, CBCT, MRI, and jaw‑motion tracking

• Artificial intelligence and advanced dental imaging systems

Books & Editorial Roles

Lassmann Ł., Yar R. Full Mouth Reconstruction. Editors & Lead Authors.
Major academic textbook on interdisciplinary full‑mouth rehabilitation. Forthcoming, 2026.

Lassmann Ł., Woron J. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.
In: Treatment Algorithms for Acute and Chronic Pain Syndromes.
Medical Education Publishing, Warsaw, 2024 (in press).

Peer‑Reviewed Publications (Selected)

1. Lassmann Ł. et al. Myths Surrounding Vertical Dimension of Occlusion. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 2024.

2. Lassmann Ł. et al. The Smile Design and Space (SDS) Concept for Altering Vertical Dimension of Occlusion. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 2024.

3. Lassmann Ł. et al. Sagittal Condylar Guidance Angle Measurement Methods: A Systematic Review. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2024.

4. Lassmann Ł. et al. Complicated Relationships Between Anterior and Condylar Guidance. Life, 2023.

5. Lassmann Ł. et al. Comparison of Condylar Guidance in Opening and Protrusion Using Digital Axiography and CBCT. Applied Sciences, 2025.

6. Derwich M., Lassmann Ł. et al. Chitosan Applications in the Treatment of TMD. Pharmaceutics, 2022.

7. Katsaros E., et al., Lassmann Ł. Multi‑task Video Enhancement for Dental Interventions. MICCAI 2022, LNCS (Springer).

Grants & Funded Research

National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), Poland
Grant POIR.01.01.01‑00‑0076/19
Project: Advanced imaging and video‑enhancement systems for dental interventions.

Patents & Translational Research

Polish Patent Application P.429702
Urządzenie do obrazowania jamy ustnej (Intraoral imaging device)
Inventors: Łukasz Lassmann, Damian Siupka‑Mróz

Teaching Experience

Postgraduate and continuing education teaching in prosthodontics, occlusion, VDO, TMD, orofacial pain, and digital dentistry. Courses delivered through university collaborations, international congresses, and advanced clinical training programs.

International Invited Lectures & Conferences

India (2019–2025); UAE/Dubai (2019, 2024); Peru (2019); China (2019, 2025); Indonesia (2024); Vietnam (2024–2025); Italy (2023); France (2021, 2023); Sweden (2023); Ecuador (2024); Chile (2024); Scotland (2024–2025); England/UK (2021, 2023); Denmark (2025); Iraq (2023); Egypt (2018–2019); Lithuania (2023); Argentina (2024); Malaysia (2024–2025); Philippines (2025); Thailand (2025); Australia (2025); New Zealand (2025).

Editorial & Peer‑Review Activity

Reviewer for Cranio – The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice.

Course Information: 

 

Country:   Language:	Hong Kong   English
Point Accreditation:	NA
Format:	Lecture + Hands-on
Organizer: