Analysis of TMJ vibration sounds before and after use of two types of occlusal splints

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are important and common physical signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the effect of the use of occlusal bite splints (stabilizing and repositioning) on the sounds produced in the TMJ, by means of the electrovibratography (EVG). Thirty-one patients with TMD from the Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil were selected for this study. Group 1 (n=23) wore stabilizing bite splints and Group 2 (n=8) used anterior repositioning splints. Before and after treatment with occlusal splints both groups were analyzed using the SonoPAK Q/S recording system (BioResearch System, Inc.). The treatments with stabilizing bite splints were satisfactory, since they reduced the total amount of the sound energies (p<0.05), but the use of anterior repositioning splints for no more than 4 weeks produced significantly better results (p<0.01). The total amount of vibration energy involved in the vibrating movements of the TMJ showed significant improvement using anterior repositioning splints.

Comparison of three treatment options for painful temporomandibular joint clicking

“…Protrusion of the mandible may decrease overload on the retrodiscal tissues, allowing adaptive changes to occur. Several studies have revealed the short-term efficacy of this modality for reducing TMD symptoms (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), in agreement with our present results.…”

The Effect of Low Level Laser with Repositioning Appliance in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement with Reduction

“…Protrusion of the mandible may decrease overload on the retrodiscal tissues, allowing adaptive changes to occur. Several studies have revealed the short-term efficacy of this modality for reducing TMD symptoms, [25]- [27] in agreement with our present results.…”

The reproducibility of temporomandibular joint vibrations over time in the human

“…The peak frequency of our subjects ranged from 13 to 123 Hz, and median frequency ranged from 38 to 232 Hz. Previous studies with the JVA indicated that a disc displacement with reduction generates a click sound in the lower frequencies (<300 Hz), and a degenerative condition generates a crepitus sound in the higher frequencies (>300 Hz; ). The ratio of the integral of sounds >300 Hz/<300 Hz as well as the frequency spectrum may be of assistance in the diagnosis and management of TMJ problems .…”