Partial time use of anterior repositioning splints in the management of TMJ pain and dysfunction: a one-year controlled study

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of partial use of anterior repositioning appliances in the management of TMJ pain and dysfunction when compared to stabilization splints and a control group in a one-year follow-up. Sample was initially constituted by 60 patients, randomly divided into three groups: I- stabilization splints, II- repositioning splints and III- no treatment. The whole sample was evaluated by means of TMJ and muscle palpation, mandibular AROM, analysis of occlusal contacts, joint sounds inspection and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for one year; 52 patients composed the final sample. A significant (after 15 days) improvement in pain report (VAS) and palpation index was found for group II (p < or = 0.01). The occurrence of occlusal alterations as posterior open bite or gross interferences after the splint therapy and increased muscle tenderness were not problems in this study. Similar results in joint noises reduction were observed for the entire sample. It was concluded that controlled partial use of repositioning splints is a beneficial tool in the management of intra-articular pain and dysfunction, with no risks of irreversible occlusal changes.

Comparison of three treatment options for painful temporomandibular joint clicking

“…Conti et al reported that long-term partial use of these appliances had no adverse effects (9). In the present study, no such side effects were observed in the groups treated with splints after three months.…”

“…The joint pain originates from elongation of the discal and capsular ligaments and/or compression of the retrodiscal tissues (1). TMJ clicking seems to be related to ligament problems and condyle-disc assembly alterations during jaw movement (8,9). In this randomized controlled trial, only patients with joint pain and clicking were included.…”

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

“…[20] Temporomandibular joint clicking seems to be related to ligament problems and condyle-disc assembly alterations during jaw movement. [24] In this study, only patients with joint pain and clicking were included. As recapturing the disc on the condyle was the goal of treatment, we use MRI for determining the disc position.…”

Assessing the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials in the field of dentistry indexed in the Lilacs (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde) database

“…One study 46 reported a triple blind method, while nine studies reported a double-blind method: de Assis et al, 32 Bortolluzy et al, 16 Botelho et al, 17 Calvo et al, 19 Faraco et al, 36 Guimarães et al, 47 Kogawa et al, 48 Rivera et al 68 and Vieira et al 86 Fifteen studies reported single blinding of the healthcare providers or outcome assessors. 10,23,25,27,28,30,31,33,37,39,44,46,50,58 In another 14 studies, the authors reported blinding but did not describe the method, or blinding was impossible. The studies by Gispert Abreu et al 41 and Gispert Abreu et al 42 were examples of the impossibility of blinding, because there was no report of any alternative treatment or placebo for the controls.…”