Dental Filling Therapy as a Possible Etiological Factor Regarding Mandibular Dysfunction

Abstract

A group of 29 individuals, 17-23 years old, with intact teeth, has been compared with a control group with respect to occurrence of mandibular dysfunction. A statistically significant difference between the groups, with a lower frequency and degree of dysfunction among the intact individuals was established. The results suggest that filling therapy per se may be a possible etiological factor in the mandibular dysfunction. Disorders in the masticatory neuromuscular system may arise from an abnormal tactile response to contacts on fillings, including an abnormal pattern of mandibular movement, possibly exceeding the tolerance level of the system.

Five‐year longitudinal study of adolescents with intact and restored dentitions: signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction and functional recordings

“…In accordance with previous studies by Kampe et al (1983aKampe et al ( , 1987Kampe et al ( , 1991, the subjects with restored dentitions exhibited a higher degreee and frequency of TMD than the subjects with intact teeth. The increase in signs and symptoms of TMD among the subjects in group FI is of particular interest, bearing in mind that these subjects had no fillings in their teeth at the fmt examination.…”

“…The higher prevalence in group F is in agreement with previous studies (Kampe et al, 1983a and indicates a more harmonious muscle function in subjects with intact teeth. Together with the finding of more parafunctions in group F, more attrition in the lower molars, more muscle tenderness and more frequent pain on movement of the mandible among the subjects in groups FI and F are indicative of more muscular hyperactivity in subjects with restored dentitions.…”

“…Together with the finding of more parafunctions in group F, more attrition in the lower molars, more muscle tenderness and more frequent pain on movement of the mandible among the subjects in groups FI and F are indicative of more muscular hyperactivity in subjects with restored dentitions. The aetiology of TMJ disorders is controversial (Rugh & Orbach, 1988), but the findings in this and previous studies (Kampe et al, 1983a(Kampe et al, , 1984(Kampe et al, , 1991 indicate that dental filling therapy has a possible aetiological significance.…”

“…Signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction were recorded during a combined anamnestic and clinical examination in accordance with the previous studies of Kampe et al (1983aKampe et al ( , 1987. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding symptoms of mandibular dysfunction, orofacial parafunctions, ache in neck, back, throat and shoulders, headache and feelings of unevenness of occlusion.…”

Facet pattern in intact and restored dentitions of young adults a comparative study

“…No epidemiological surveys have been found dealing with possible differences between the pattern of attrition in intact and restored dentitions. However, a group of young individuals with fillings in the teeth has been reported to have a higher frequency and degree of dysfunction than a group of individuals with intact teeth (12).…”