The effect of different pain characteristics on jaw functional limitations in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND: Patients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) more often experience jaw functional limitations. The study of jaw functional limitations should be primarily focused on painful TMD. OBJECTIVES: The impact of TMD pain characteristics (source, chronicity and intensity) on jaw functional limitations were evaluated using Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study reviewed the dental records and self-report questionnaires of patients with painful TMD. The pain source, chronicity and intensity were evaluated to study the TMD pain characteristics. The jaw functional limitations were analysed using the Thai version of the JFLS. RESULTS: A total of 176 patients with painful TMD were included in this study. The jaw functional limitations were affected only by pain intensity. Patients with TMD with severe pain intensity had significantly higher jaw functional limitations than those with mild-to-moderate pain intensity (p < .05). A significant association was observed between pain intensity and jaw functional limitations (p < .05). Mastication was highly restricted by pain intensity (odd ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-1.67). CONCLUSION: The present study found a significant effect of TMD pain intensity on jaw functional limitations. Patients with severe TMD pain intensity were more likely to experience jaw functional limitations, particularly mastication limitation. Management focusing on reduction of pain intensity may improve jaw functions in patients with TMD.

Effect of post-polymerization with autoclaving treatment on monomer elution and mechanical properties of 3D-printing acrylic resin for splint fabrication.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of post-treatment autoclaving on monomer elution and mechanical properties of three-dimensionally (3D) printed resin for splint fabrication. METHODS: Photopolymer resin specimens (Dental LT Clear) were 3D-printed and processed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were randomly divided to different post-treatment protocols: water storage, autoclaving at different temperatures (121 °C or 132 °C), times (4 or 30 min) and no treatment as a control. The elution of UDMA, HEMA, and EGDMA monomers was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) by immersing the specimens in 75% ethanol for 72 h. The flexural modulus, surface microhardness and linear dimensional changes were measured. The monomer elution and flexural modulus were statistically analyzed using Welch's ANOVA followed by Dunnett's T3 tests, while the surface microhardness and dimensional changes were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The overall monomer elution concentrations were significantly highest for the control group and lowest for specimens treated in an autoclave at 132 °C for 4 min. The flexural modulus was not significantly different between all groups. The surface microhardness was significantly higher for all autoclaved groups than the control and water storage groups. The linear expansion was significantly higher after post-treatment autoclaving in contrast to water storage. SIGNIFICANCE/CONCLUSIONS: Post-polymerization autoclave treatment of the 3D-printed resin reduced monomer elution and improved surface microhardness without deteriorating the flexural modulus. Post-treatment with an autoclave at 132 °C for 4 min can be recommended for 3D-printed resin for splint fabrication.