Effect of Prolonged Endodontic Treatment on Temporomandibular Joint and Masticatory Muscles

Abstract

Aims and objectives:The objective of the study is to assess the outcome of lengthy root canal sessions (more than 2 hours) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its associated structures. Materials and methods:Totally, 250 patients who had undergone root canal treatment that lasted for more than 2 hours were examined for the status of TMJ and masticatory muscles. The second part of the examination was performed after 1 week to check for any pain and tenderness. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results:Results showed that patients of older age suffered from more pain postoperatively. Similarly, women experienced more pain than males. Those patients who were treated for their posterior teeth complained of more pain than those treated for anterior teeth. Conclusion:Prolonged root canal sessions result in longer and wider opening of mouth for longer period of time, thus causing harm to TMJ and associated masticatory structures and may give rise to sign and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Clinical significance:It is prudent to break treatment sessions into shorter appointments and let patients relax during the treatment to prevent any extra stress on the TMJ and associated masticatory apparatus.