Subjective reactions to intervention with artificial interferences in subjects with and without a history of temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

In a previous double-blind randomized controlled study, subjects with a history of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) reacted to artificial interference with more signs of TMD than did subjects with no TMD history. In the present study, we analysed the subjective reactions of these individuals on several symptom scales. Every day during the 2-week follow-up period, the subjects rated the intensity of their symptoms on 9 VAS scales (occlusal discomfort, chewing difficulties, tender teeth, fatigue in the jaws, headache, facial pain, opening difficulty, bruxism, ear symptoms). Subjects with a history of TMD and true interferences reported stronger symptoms than subjects with no TMD history and placebo interferences. The most prominent symptoms were occlusal discomfort and chewing difficulties. The difference in outcome between the groups with and without a TMD history suggests that there are individual differences in vulnerability to occlusal interferences. It is likely that the etiological role of occlusal interferences in TMD has not been correctly addressed in previous studies on artificial interferences.

Long-term oral appliance therapy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a controlled study on temporomandibular side effects

“…Another possible explanation is the increase in occlusal vertical dimension while wearing an oral appliance. A study by Le Belle and co-workers shows that after applying artificial occlusal interferences, the occurrence of temporomandibular pain symptoms increased but decreased after a few days [32]. Therefore, the authors suggest that patients can adapt to a new vertical occlusal situation.…”

Arthrocentesis and stabilizing splint are the treatment of choice for acute intermittent closed lock in patients with bruxism

“…Historically many conservative approaches to the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have been followed among which are occlusal splint therapy (Turp et al, 2004), physiotherapy (Nicolakis et al, 2002), complimentary medicine (De Laat et al, 2003), pharmacotherapy (Dionne, 1997), and occlusal treatments (LeBell et al, 2006).…”

Temporomandibular joint total replacement prosthesis: current knowledge and considerations for the future

“…Literature data suggest that TMD-related pain has a relevant psychosocial impact as well 14,21,22,62,72 . Many conservative approaches to the treatment of both articular and muscular TMD have been proposed over the years, including occlusal splint therapy 4,63 , physiotherapy 42,43 , complimentary medicine 5,12 , pharmacotherapy 7,24 and occlusal treatments 18 . In some cases a surgical approach to the TMJ is needed to treat intra-articular disorders not responding to traditional conservative therapies 6,15,16,44,45,64 , but the mechanicistic concepts on which classic gnathology is based, combined with the view of surgery as the definitive treatment option for many supposedly abnormal TMJ conditions (i.e.…”