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Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Sep 2023The therapeutic approach to myofascial TMD should focus on pain relief and rehabilitation of function. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Pressure release technique versus placebo applied to cervical and masticatory muscles in patients with chronic painful myofascial temporomandibular disorder: A randomised clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
The therapeutic approach to myofascial TMD should focus on pain relief and rehabilitation of function.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated whether pressure release technique (PRT) is effective for reducing pain in people with chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
METHODS
A single-blinded randomised parallel-group trial, with 3 months follow-up was conducted. A total of 72 patients were randomly allocated to receive PRT or sham PRT. Primary outcome was pain assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), range of opening of the mouth (ROM), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) and State-Trait Depression Index (ST-DEP). All parameters were assessed at baseline, at the end of the treatment and at 3 months follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA.
RESULTS
There were significant main effects of time, group and interaction between time and group (F ≥ 21.92; p < .001) on VAS pain. Post hoc tests showed a significant reduction in VAS pain scores in the PRT group (≥31.9%; p < .001). Effect sizes were moderate in the PRT group at all follow-up periods (≥1.25 Cohen's d). Also, there were significant effects of time in secondary outcomes (F ≥ 9.65; p < .001), and there were also interactions between time and group (F ≥ 3.82; p < .002) with better effects in the PRT group.
CONCLUSIONS
The inclusion of PRT to conventional management with occlusal splints and self-care management appears to be effective to improve self-reported levels of pain in patients with chronic myofascial TMD pain. Retrospectively registered (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03619889).
Topics: Humans; Pain Threshold; Chronic Pain; Masticatory Muscles; Pain Measurement; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Chronic Disease; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37163204
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13490 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Oct 2023To determine the effectiveness of laser therapy for managing patients with orofacial pain (OFP). In addition, to determine which parameters provide the best treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To determine the effectiveness of laser therapy for managing patients with orofacial pain (OFP). In addition, to determine which parameters provide the best treatment effects to reduce pain, improve function, and quality of life in adults with OFP.
METHODS
Systematic review. Searches were conducted in six databases; no date or language restrictions were applied. Studies involving adults with OFP treated with laser therapy were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was performed with the Revised Cochrane RoB-2. A meta-analysis was structured around the OFP type, and outcomes. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessed the overall certainty of the evidence.
RESULTS
Eighty-nine studies were included. Most studies ( = 72, 80.9%) were considered to have a high RoB. The results showed that laser therapy was better than placebo in improving pain, maximal mouth open (MMO), protrusion, and tenderness at the final assessment, but with a low or moderate level of evidence. The best lasers and parameters to reduce pain are diode or gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) lasers, a wavelength of 400-800 or 800-1500 nm, and dosage of <25 J/cm.
CONCLUSIONS
Laser therapy was better than placebo to improve pain, MMO, protrusion, and tenderness. Also, it was better than occlusal splint to improve pain, but not better than TENS and medication.Implications for rehabilitationLaser therapy was found to be good in improving pain, maximal mouth opening, jaw protrusion, and tenderness at the end of the treatment.For patients with all types of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) (myogenous, arthrogenous, and mixed), the following lasers and parameters are recommended: diode or gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser, wavelength of 400-800 or 800-1500 nm, and a dosage <25 J/cm.For patients with arthrogenous TMDs, the following lasers and parameters are recommended: Diode laser and a wavelength between 400 and 800 nm.For patients with myogenous TMDs, the following lasers and parameters are recommended: diode laser, wavelength between 800 and 1500 nm, and dosage of <25 J/cm.For patients with mixed TMDs, the following lasers and parameters are recommended: diode, GaAlAs, or infrared laser, a wavelength of 800-1500 nm, a dosage >100 J/cm, and an application time between 15 and 30 s or >60 seconds.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Pain Measurement; Aluminum; Quality of Life; Facial Pain; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
PubMed: 36263978
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2127933 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Feb 2024Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of clinical conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures. Management...
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of clinical conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures. Management approaches for TMDs vary and include both surgical and non-surgical interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of 150 patients diagnosed with TMDs were reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups: surgical intervention and non-surgical intervention. The surgical group underwent various surgical procedures, including arthroscopy, arthroplasty, and joint replacement, while the non-surgical group received conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and occlusal splints. Pain levels, TMJ function, quality of life (QoL), and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and post-treatment (6 months and 1 year).
RESULTS
At the 6-month follow-up, both groups experienced a significant reduction in pain scores (surgical group: 6.3 ± 1.2 to 2.4 ± 0.9, non-surgical group: 6.1 ± 1.1 to 3.2 ± 1.0). TMJ function improved in both groups (surgical group: 2.5 ± 0.8 to 4.8 ± 0.6, non-surgical group: 2.6 ± 0.7 to 4.2 ± 0.9). QoL scores increased (surgical group: 35.2 ± 4.6 to 50.3 ± 5.1, non-surgical group: 35.5 ± 4.2 to 45.7 ± 4.8), and patient satisfaction rates were high (surgical group: 92%, non-surgical group: 87%) at the 1-year follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Both surgical and non-surgical management approaches demonstrated significant improvements in pain relief, TMJ function, QoL, and patient satisfaction for individuals with TMDs.
PubMed: 38595556
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_938_23 -
Cranio : the Journal of... May 2024This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative approaches on otologic signs and symptoms in patients affected by Menière's Disease (MD) and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative approaches on otologic signs and symptoms in patients affected by Menière's Disease (MD) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify studies presenting participants with a diagnosis of MD associated with TMD, conservative approaches as interventions, and modification of the otological signs and symptoms as outcome.
RESULTS
Out of 627 articles assessed for eligibility, two studies were included. Both studies showed a significant reduction of Situational Vertigo Questionnaire after treatment, number of vertigo spells, Functional Level Scale, Dizziness Hearing Inventory, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, after occlusal splint therapy. No significant differences were found in terms of pure-tone audiometry average.
CONCLUSION
Findings of this systematic review suggested that conservative approaches might improve vertigo in patients affected by MD and TMD. However, the low number of included studies makes difficult to draw strong conclusions.
PubMed: 38711403
DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2024.2348973 -
The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics Oct 2023This study aimed to assess and compare the color stability, flexural strength (FS), and surface roughness of occlusal splints fabricated from heat-cured acrylic resin,...
PURPOSE
This study aimed to assess and compare the color stability, flexural strength (FS), and surface roughness of occlusal splints fabricated from heat-cured acrylic resin, milled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based resin, and 3D-printed (PMMA) based-resin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Samples of each type of resin were obtained, and baseline measurements of color and surface roughness were recorded. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10) and subjected to distinct aging protocols: thermomechanical cycling (TMC), simulated brushing (SB), and control (without aging). Final assessments of color and surface roughness and three-point bending test (ODM100; Odeme) were conducted, and data were statistically analyzed (2-way ANOVA, Tukey, <.05).
RESULTS
Across all resin types, the most significant increase in surface roughness (Ra) was observed after TMC ( < .05), with the 3D-printed resin exhibiting the lowest Ra ( < .05). After brushing, milled resin displayed the highest Ra ( < .05) and greater color alteration (ΔE) compared to 3D-printed resin. The most substantial ΔE was recorded after brushing for all resins, except for heat-cured resin subjected to TMC. Regardless of aging, milled resin exhibited the highest FS ( < .05), except when compared to 3D-printed resin subjected to TMC. Heat-cured resin exposed to TMC demonstrated the lowest FS, different ( < .05) from the control. Under control conditions, milled resin exhibited the highest FS, different ( < .05) from the brushed group. 3D-printed resin subjected to TMC displayed the highest FS ( < .05).
CONCLUSION
Among the tested resins, 3D-printed resin demonstrated superior longevity, characterized by minimal surface roughness and color alterations. Aging had a negligible impact on its mechanical properties.
PubMed: 37936836
DOI: 10.4047/jap.2023.15.5.227 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023The increasing demand for dental aesthetics, articulation corrections, and solutions for pain and frequent bruxism demands quick and effective restorative dental...
The increasing demand for dental aesthetics, articulation corrections, and solutions for pain and frequent bruxism demands quick and effective restorative dental management. The biomedical research aimed to create a beneficial, ecological, and readily available anterior deprogrammer to determine the centric relation (CR) of cases. This medical device is additively manufactured from a biocompatible material. Size is customizable based on the width of the patient's anterior central incisors. This is a pilot study with two subjects. The task was to develop a complete data protocol for the production process, computer-aided design (CAD), and three-dimensional (3D) printing of the anterior deprogrammers. The research focused on creating simple and practically applicable tools for the dentist's prescription (anterior deprogrammer in three sizes), and secondly for the communication between the dentist and the patient (computer application). The tested hypothesis was whether, according to these novel tools, it is possible to produce functional occlusal splints, which could be manufactured using current technologies. This study compared a traditional splint with a digitally designed and 3D-printed one. The tested hypothesis was whether manufactured occlusal splints differ in patients' subjective perception of comfort. Each conservative treatment was monitored for ten weeks. Initial results are promising; no statistically significant difference was found between the productive technologies.
PubMed: 38135970
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121379 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2023Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) present a public health issue and are one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions causing chronic pain. This study compares the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Recording the maxillomandibular relationship with the Aqualizer system prior to occlusal splint therapy for treating temporomandibular disorders: a randomized controlled trial.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) present a public health issue and are one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions causing chronic pain. This study compares the outcomes of occlusal splint therapy in patients with TMD following two different maxillomandibular relationship (MMR) registration techniques. 40 TMD patients were randomly allocated to MMR registration with the Aqualizer system (AQU) or with chin point guidance (CPG) prior to fabricating occlusal splints. TMD symptoms, subjective pain intensity, and quality of life (QoL) were recorded at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. The treatment led to an overall reduction of TMD symptoms in both groups (Conover test, p < 0.00001). TMJ sounds, TMJ pain with palpation and muscle pain with palpation subsided regardless of the type of MMR registration method used (Cohen's d > 0.8). AQU-based occlusal splints led to a better improvement of TMJ pain with maximum opening compared to CPG-based occlusal splints (Cohen's d = 0.9; CPG d = 0.13). In both groups, occlusal splint treatment had little to no effect on correcting lateral mandible deviation or improving restricted jaw opening. After 6 months occlusal splints in both groups had a large effect on improving subjective pain intensity (Cohen's d > 0.8), however, patients reported a higher QoL in the AQU group compared to the CPG group (Mann-Whitney-U-test, p < 0.05). The results of this study support the premise that occlusal splints are effective in relieving pain-related TMD symptoms. The Aqualizer can be considered for determining MMR in cases, where guided registration techniques are not possible.Trial registration: DRKS00031998.
Topics: Humans; Occlusal Splints; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Chronic Pain
PubMed: 38110552
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49911-7 -
International Journal of Oral and... May 2024Disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) can cause pain and limitations in mouth opening, with a significant impact on function. The optimal management strategy for... (Review)
Review
Disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) can cause pain and limitations in mouth opening, with a significant impact on function. The optimal management strategy for DDwoR is unclear. Treatments include conservative management such as mandibular manipulation, occlusal splints, and patient education/self-management, as well as arthrocentesis, which is a minimally invasive procedure. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to ascertain whether there is a role for arthrocentesis in the management of DDwoR. Studies analysing the outcomes pain and maximum mouth opening (MMO) in patients with DDwoR treated by arthrocentesis or occlusal coverage devices were eligible for inclusion. Following a database search, six studies with a total of 343 participants were found to be eligible for analysis (three prospective observational studies, one retrospective observational study, one non-randomized single-blind clinical trial, and one unblinded randomized clinical trial). When compared to occlusal coverage splints, arthrocentesis demonstrated a slight improvement in pain, although this was statistically non-significant (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.04 to 0.05, P = 0.07; I = 81%), and a significant improvement in MMO (SMD 0.79 mm, 95% CI 0.24-1.35 mm, P = 0.005; I = 79%). However, due to the significant heterogeneity between studies and the high risk of bias, along with the paucity of double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn for this clinical question.
PubMed: 38702202
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2024.03.013 -
Journal of Prosthodontic Research Jan 2024Purpose Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are frequent stomatological disorders. However, their treatment is controversial. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Purpose Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are frequent stomatological disorders. However, their treatment is controversial. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of combination therapy (splint therapy along with physiotherapy, manual therapy, and counseling) with physiotherapy, manual therapy, and counseling alone. The extent of mouth opening and pain perception were the outcomes.Study selection Systematic searches for English publications were performed using four major literature databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science). We included randomized controlled trials. We calculated mean differences with 95% confidence interval (CI) for pain perception and maximum mouth opening (MMO) for the two groups. The Hartung-Knapp adjustment was used for cases comprising at least five studies.Results Six articles were included in the pain perception category, and four were reviewed for MMO at baseline. Four articles assessed pain perception, and two assessed MMO at 1 month. Five articles were analyzed upon comparing pain perception at baseline and 1-month follow-up. The mean difference was -2.54 [95% CI: -3.38; to -1.70] in the intervention group and -2.33 [95% CI: -4.06; to -0.61] in the control group. Two articles were analyzed upon comparing MMO at baseline and 1-month follow-up. The mean difference in the intervention group was 3.69 [95% CI: -0.34; 7.72], whereas that in the control group was 3.62 [95% CI: -3.43; 10.67].Conclusions Both therapies can be used in the management of myogenic TMD. Due to the marginal differences between the baseline and 1-month values, our results could not confirm the efficacy of combination therapy.
Topics: Humans; Splints; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Pain
PubMed: 37286515
DOI: 10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_22_00264 -
International Journal of Computerized... Nov 2023Pronounced defects of the dental hard tissue can be caused by different etiologic factors. Most frequently, they are associated with changes in the vertical dimension of...
Pronounced defects of the dental hard tissue can be caused by different etiologic factors. Most frequently, they are associated with changes in the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO), which may also influence the condylar positions. These defects can lead to irreversible loss of tooth structure and have dramatic functional and esthetic consequences, often requiring complex rehabilitation. In this situation, CAD/CAM-fabricated occlusal splints made of tooth-colored polycarbonate are a proven and safe pretreatment approach in terms of esthetics and function. Rebuilding lost dental hard tissue to restore the occlusion and VDO to an adequate condylar position is a prerequisite for any sustainable and functional rehabilitation. In the future, digital systems will support this complex process, customizing it and making it simpler and more precise. The DMD-System (Ignident) provides patient-specific jaw movement data to optimize the CAD/CAM workflow. This system allows real movement patterns to be digitized and analyzed for functional and potential therapeutic purposes, integrating them into the dental and laboratory workflow. In the present case, the familiar tooth-colored CAD/CAM-fabricated occlusal splint is supplemented by digital centric jaw relation recording and individual movement data.
Topics: Humans; Splints; Vertical Dimension; Esthetics, Dental; Tooth; Dental Occlusion; Joint Diseases
PubMed: 36928755
DOI: 10.3290/j.ijcd.b3960939