Condição dentária de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular / Dental condiction of patients with temporomandibular dysfunction / Condición dental de pacientes con disfunción temporomandibular

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a condição dentária e a dimensão vertical em pacientes portadores de DTM, bem como a idade e origem da DTM. Metodologia Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, observacional de corte transversal, com uma amostra de trinta pacientes com DTM, diagnosticado pelo Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Esta amostra foi determinada através de estimativas de atendimento, desta forma, uma amostra de conveniência. A associação entre o gênero, idade, dimensão vertical e condição dentária com DTM foram verificadas através do teste estatístico qui-quadrado, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados Constatou-se que 26 pacientes eram do sexo feminino e 4 do sexo masculino. Quinze sujeitos apresentaram idade inferior a 36,5 anos. Quanto a origem da DTM, 19 sujeitos tinham desordem articular, e 11 muscular. Determinou-se que não houve associação estatisticamente significante entre as variáveis independentes com a DTM. Conclusão Os fatores etiológicos analisados isoladamente parecem não influenciam de forma única no desenvolvimento da DTM, mas poderão atuar em conjunto com outros fatores, já que a sua causa é multifatorial.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the dental condition and the vertical dimension in patients with TMD, and the age and origin of the DTM. Methods Was performed a descriptive study, observational, cross-sectional, with a sample of thirty patients with TMD, diagnosed by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). This sample was determined based on estimates the service thus a sample of convenience. The association between gender, age, vertical dimension and dental condition with TMD were verified using the chi-square statistical test with 95% confidence intervals. Results It found that 26 patients were female and 4 males. Fifteen subjects presented aged below 36.5 years. How much the origin of the DTM, 19 subjects had articular disorder, and 11 muscle disorder. Has been determined that there was no statistically significant association between the independent variables with the DTM. Conclusion The etiological factors analyzed in isolation do not seem to influence in a unique way in the development of TMD, but may act together with other factors, because the cause is multifactorial.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la condición dental y la dimensión vertical en pacientes portadores de DTM, así como la edad y origen de la DTM. Metodología Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional de corte transversal, con una muestra de treinta pacientes con DTM, diagnosticado por el Research Diagnostic Criteria para desórdenes temporomandibulares (RDC / TMD). Esta muestra se determinó a través de estimaciones de atención, a través de una muestra de conveniencia. La asociación entre el género, la edad, la dimensión vertical y la condición dental con DTM se verificó mediante la prueba estadística chi-cuadrado, con intervalos de confianza del 95%. Resultados Se constató que 26 pacientes eran del sexo femenino y 4 del sexo masculino. 15 sujetos presentaron una edad inferior a 36,5 años. En cuanto al origen de la DTM, 19 sujetos tenían desorden articular, y 11, muscular. Se determinó que no hubo asociación estadísticamente significativa entre las variables independientes con la DTM. Conclusión Los factores etiológicos analizados aisladamente parecen no influenciar de forma única en el desarrollo de la DTM, pero podrán actuar en conjunto con otros factores, ya que su causa es multifactorial.(AU)

A efetividade de dois tratamentos para disfunção temporomandibular muscular: estudo piloto / The effectiveness of two treatments for muscle temporomandibular dysfunction: pilot study

Objetivo: comparar a eficácia de dois protocolos de tratamento para disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) de origem muscular. Sujeitos e método: Estudantes da Faculdade Especializada na Área de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul foram selecionados por meio de questionário, para avaliar a presença de sinais e sintomas de DTM e diagnóstico de DTM muscular pelos Critérios de Diagnóstico para Transtornos da Pesquisa Temporomandibular. Dez estudantes compuseram a amostra, divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com o protocolo de tratamento: G1 ­ hipertermia induzida, exercícios mandibulares e massagem; e G2 ­ agulhamento seco, hipertermia induzida, exercícios mandibulares e massagem. Os alunos foram instruídos a realizar o protocolo do tratamento G1 todos os dias em casa e na instituição de ensino por três sessões, que ocorreram a cada cinquenta dias. O agulhamento seco foi realizado no G2 apenas nas segunda e terceira sessões de tratamento. Para avaliar a efetividade dos dois tratamentos antes e após cada sessão, avaliaram-se: abertura bucal (AB), por meio de régua milimetrada; dor, pela escala visual analógica; força de mordida (FM), usando um medidor de força digital; e qualidade de vida, avaliada imediatamente antes do início do tratamento e depois do término do tratamento. Resultados: a dor mostrou diferença estatística significativa no G2 após a segunda sessão (p=0,020) e a terceira sessão (p=0,047). Os demais resultados mostram que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos (p>0,05). Conclusão: considera-se que neste estudo piloto ambos os tratamentos foram eficazes para DTM muscular, uma vez que todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora dos sintomas. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os tratamentos, exceto a dor pós-procedimento, causada pela técnica do agulhamento seco. (AU)

Objective: the present study aims to compare the efficacy of two treatment protocols for temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) of muscular origin. Subjects and method: students of the Faculdade Especializada na área de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul, that were selected through the questionnaire to evaluate the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and diagnosis of muscular TMD from the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Research Disorders. Ten students composed the sample, divided into two groups according to the treatment protocol: hyperthermia induced by G1, mandibular exercises and massage; G2 ‒ dry needling, induced hyperthermia, mandibular and massage exercises. Students were instructed to complete the G1 treatment protocol every day at home and at the educational institution for three sessions that occurred every fifty days. Dry needling was performed in G2 only in the second and third treatment sessions. To evaluate the effectiveness of the two treatments before and after each session, we evaluated: mouth opening (AB), through a millimeter ruler; visual analogue scale; bite force (FM) using a digital force gauge and quality of life was assessed immediately prior to initiation of treatment and after termination of treatment. Results: pain obtained a statistically significant difference in G2 after the second session (p=0.020) and the third session (p=0.047). The other results show that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: it is considered that in this pilot study both treatments were effective for muscular TMD, since all the patients presented improvement of the symptoms. There was no statistically significant difference between treatments, except for post- -procedure pain, caused by the dry needling technique. (AU)

Spontaneous brain activity and connectivity in female patients with temporomandibular joint synovitis pain: a pilot functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

OBJECTIVE: It has been proposed that mechanisms in the central nervous system contribute to the development and maintenance of pain in temporomandibular disorders. In this study, we tested whether spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity (FC) were altered in patients with temporomandibular joint synovitis pain. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, cross-sectional design was adopted. Each of 8 patients and 10 healthy controls (HCs) underwent 2 sessions of functional magnetic resonance imaging: mouth closed and mouth open (painful for patients). Regional homogeneity (ReHo) was used to measure spontaneous brain activity in each participant. Brain areas with altered ReHo in patients compared with HCs were identified, and their FCs with the rest of the brain was examined and compared. RESULTS: Compared with HCs, patients showed decreased pain-related ReHo in the right anterior insula (rAI). The rAI showed a weaker positive FC with the left middle cingulate cortex (MCC) and a weaker negative FC with the right precuneus in patients compared with HCs. Furthermore, the rAI-MCC FC showed a negative correlation with pain intensity in patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence supporting altered pain-related spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity in the central nervous system in patients with temporomandibular joint synovitis pain.

Oral Behaviors and Parafunctions: Comparison of Temporomandibular Dysfunction Patients and Controls.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of oral behaviors in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and a control group without TMD.In this baseline case-control study, 260 controls and 260 subjects with TMD completed the oral behaviors checklist defined as a "self-report scale for identifying and quantifying the frequency of jaw overuse behavior" and underwent clinical examinations using the DC/TMJ international examination form (version May 12, 2013). Relationships of oral parafunctions' frequencies between groups were examined. The statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software.Age and gender distribution in the study groups did not reveal statistical differences (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to establish system of independent oral behaviors for prognosis TMD. The stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that very frequent expression of holding, tightening, or tense muscles is associated with 10.83 times (P < 0.05) higher risk of TMD, grinding teeth together during waking hours with 4.94 times (P < 0.05) higher risk, and sustained talking with 2.64 times (P < 0.05) higher risk of TMD. By contrast, it was determined that 3 oral behaviors were less common in the TMD patients compared with the control group: clenching teeth together during waking hours, facing grimaces, and yawning (P < 0.05). The individuals with TMD reported a significantly higher frequency of 10 behaviors (P < 0.05), 3 of which may be regarded as independent risk factors for TMD. In addition, 3 oral behaviors were more frequently observed in the healthy subjects than in the TMD patients.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Clinicophysiologic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Temporomandibular Disorder Patients.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) are a complex group of disorders that comprise dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this study, we analyzed the objective and subjective findings of the TMJD patients by using Helkimo anamnesis (Ai) and clinical dysfunction (Di) indices, and tried to document a relation between these findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results.Ninety-eight patients who were admitted to our clinic were included in the study. The clinical evaluation was performed by using Ai, an 8-question-survey based on the objective symptoms of patients; Di, concluded as the score of 5 objective measurements of physical examination. The morphology of the TMJ was evaluated by MRI, and the findings were analyzed and statistically compared with respect to the Di.The most commonly seen symptoms were noise during mandibular movement (58%), pain around the joint (42.5%), and pain with mandibular movements (40%). Seventeen patients (17.3%) were Di0, 47 (48%) were DiI, 24 (24.5%) were DiII, and 10 (10.2%) were DiIII. Thirty-seven patients (37.8%) had abnormal MRI findings, whereas 61 patients (62.2%) had normal MRI. The most commonly encountered pathology was anterior disc displacement with reduction, which was reported in 15 patients. Increased TMJ Di, which points a more progressed TMJD, was found to be significantly related with the pathological MRI findings (P < 0.05).MRI is especially effective in particularly those with high Di; therefore, the results of the study may give a prospect in which types of patients does MRI give a valuable data toward diagnosis, in which stages of the TMJD should we expect pathological findings, and thereby preventing unnecessary use of MRI in patients with symptoms of TMJD.

Sodium hyaluronate: an effective adjunct in temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis.

BACKGROUND: Internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most common forms of temporomandibular disorders. The minimally invasive treatments such as arthrocentesis as well as arthroscopic lysis and lavage are often used as a first-line surgical treatment or in conjunction with nonsurgical modalities with low morbidity and high efficacy. Sodium hyaluronate (SH) has been proposed as an alternative therapeutic agent with similar therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVE: A prospective study was carried out for evaluation of efficacy of TMJ arthrocentesis with and without injection of SH in management of internal derangements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients suffering from internal derangement of TMJ were selected for this study. Patients were randomly divided into the following two groups: group 1-arthrocentesis-only group and group 2-arthrocentesis + SH group. Each group constituted 15 patients. RESULTS: Six-month postoperative mean mouth opening (MMO) increase was 13.61 ± 1.64 and 15.53 ± 3.01 mm in group 1 and group 2, respectively. At 6 months, there was marked improvement in masticatory efficiency with mean increase of 5.07 ± 0.13 in group 1 and 6.40 ± 0.04 in group 2. Mean pain reduction was 5.27 ± 0.67 and 6.48 ± 0.44 in group 1 and group 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although our series comprised a limited number of cases and a short follow-up period, initial results suggested that arthrocentesis with SH injection seemed to be superior to art.

Management of painful temporomandibular joint clicking with different intraoral devices and counseling: a controlled study

Objective The benefit of the use of some intraoral devices in arthrogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients is still unknown. This study assessed the effectiveness of the partial use of intraoral devices and counseling in the management of patients with disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and arthralgia.Materials and Methods A total of 60 DDWR and arthralgia patients were randomly divided into three groups: group I (n=20) wore anterior repositioning occlusal splints (ARS); group II (n=20) wore the Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Clenching Suppression System devices (NTI-tss); and group III (n=20) only received counseling for behavioral changes and self-care (the control group). The first two groups also received counseling. Follow-ups were performed after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. In these sessions, patients were evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), maximum range of motion and TMJ sounds. Possible adverse effects were also recorded, such as discomfort while using the device and occlusal changes. The results were analyzed with ANOVA, Tukey’s and Fisher Exact Test, with a significance level of 5%.Results Groups I and II showed improvement in pain intensity at the first follow-up. This progress was recorded only after 3 months in Group III. Group II showed an increased in joint sounds frequency. The PPT values, mandibular range of motion and the number of occlusal contacts did not change significantly.Conclusion The simultaneous use of intraoral devices (partial time) plus behavioral modifications seems to produce a more rapid pain improvement in patients with painful DDWR. The use of NTI-tss could increase TMJ sounds. Although intraoral devices with additional counseling should be considered for the management of painful DDWR, dentists should be aware of the possible side effects of the intraoral device’s design.

Correlação entre sinais e sintomas da Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) e severidade da má oclusão / Correlation between signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and severity of malocclusion

Introdução: O papel da oclusão como fator etiológico das disfunções temporomandibulares (DTMs) tem sido um assunto polêmico e ainda controverso. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre sinais e sintomas da disfunção temporomandibular e a severidade da má oclusão. Método: Foram avaliados 135 estudantes de Odontologia da UFPB. A presença de DTM foi estimada através do Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca (DMF) e de questões objetivas sobre seus sintomas. Os estudantes também foram submetidos a um protocolo resumido de avaliação clínica de DTM. A avaliação dos fatores oclusais foi realizada através do Índice de Prioridade de Tratamento (IPT) aplicado a modelos de gesso dos arcos dentários superior e inferior. As diferenças entre as médias do IPT relacionadas aos sinais e sintomas de DTM foram determinadas por meio dos testes t e One-way ANOVA. As correlações entre os fatores oclusais e a DTM foram determinadas a partir de correlação de Pearson. Resultado: A severidade da má oclusão, segundo o IPT, não influenciou no surgimento de DTM e de sinais clínicos musculares ou articulares, e na necessidade de tratamento. A má oclusão de classe II, trespasse vertical acentuado e dentes girados foram estatisticamente correlacionados à necessidade de tratamento e aos sinais clínicos de DTM. Conclusão: Em modelos multifatoriais, como na fisiopatologia da DTM, a oclusão pode desempenhar um papel de cofator na predisposição ou perpetuar as diferentes formas de DTM, não devendo ser considerada fator principal. .

Introduction: The role of occlusion as an etiologic factor of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been polemic and still controversial. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and severity of malocclusion. Method: A total of 135 undergraduate dental students from Federal University of Paraíba were evaluated. The presence of TMD was estimated by Fonseca's Anamnestic Index and objective questions about symptoms were addressed. Students were also submitted to a summarized protocol for clinical evaluation of TMD. The evaluation of occlusal factors was performed using the Treatment Priority Index (TPI) applied to plaster casts corresponding to upper and lower dental arches. The differences between the means of IPT related to signs and symptoms of TMD were determined by t tests and One-way ANOVA. Correlations between occlusal factors and TMD were determined by Pearson correlation. Result: According to the TPI, the severity of the malocclusion did not influence the onset of TMD, muscle or joint clinical signs and need for treatment. Class II malocclusion, marked overbite and rotated teeth were statistically correlated with the need for treatment and clinical signs of TMD. Conclusion: In multifactor models as in the pathophysiology of TMD, occlusion can play a role as a co-factor in predisposing or perpetuating the different forms of TMD. As such, it should not be considered a major factor. .

TMD and chronic pain: a current view.

This review aims at presenting a current view on the physiopathologic mechanisms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). While joint pain is characterized by a well-defined inflammatory process mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin, chronic muscle pain presents with enigmatic physiopathologic mechanisms, being considered a functional pain syndrome similar to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Central sensitization is the common factor unifying these conditions, and may be influenced by the autonomic nervous system and genetic polymorphisms. Thus, TMDs symptoms should be understood as a complex response which might get worse or improve depending on an individual's adaptation.

TMD and chronic pain: A current view

This review aims at presenting a current view on the physiopathologic mechanisms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). While joint pain is characterized by a well-defined inflammatory process mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin, chronic muscle pain presents with enigmatic physiopathologic mechanisms, being considered a functional pain syndrome similar to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Central sensitization is the common factor unifying these conditions, and may be influenced by the autonomic nervous system and genetic polymorphisms. Thus, TMDs symptoms should be understood as a complex response which might get worse or improve depending on an individual's adaptation.

Esta revisão teve como objetivo apresentar uma visão atualizada dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos relacionados às disfunções temporomandibulares (DTMs). Enquanto a dor articular é caracterizada por um processo inflamatório bem descrito - mediado pelo fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e interleucinas -, a dor muscular crônica apresenta mecanismos fisiopatológicos mais obscuros, sendo considerada uma síndrome dolorosa funcional, assim como a fibromialgia, a síndrome do intestino irritável, a cistite intersticial e a síndrome da fadiga crônica. A sensibilização central é o processo comum, unificador, dessas condições, podendo sofrer influência do sistema nervoso autonômico e de polimorfismos genéticos. Portanto, os sintomas das DTMs devem ser entendidos como uma resposta complexa, podendo ser amplificados ou atenuados em função da adaptação individual.

The impact of cigarette smoking on sleep quality of patients with masticatory myofascial pain.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of cigarette smoking on the sleep quality of patients with masticatory myofascial pain and to determine whether the association between smoking and impaired sleep is influenced by other factors such as demographic, psychological, and behavioral variables. METHODS: Data from a retrospective case series of 529 patients diagnosed with masticatory myofascial pain according to group I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were obtained. Patients completed a standardized pain questionnaire and psychometric tests. Differences between smokers and nonsmokers were evaluated using independent samples t tests and chi-square tests. Hierarchical linear multiple regression models were used to examine predictors of sleep disturbances. RESULTS: Of the entire sample, 170 (32%) reported that they were smokers. Smokers reported higher pain severity and more sleep disturbances and psychological distress than nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking significantly predicted sleep disturbance (ß = 0.229, P < .001), but this relationship was attenuated after controlling for pain severity and psychological distress (ß = 0.122, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including pain severity, alterations in mood, and disrupted sleep, and seems to be a significant predictor of sleep quality in patients with masticatory myofascial pain.

Pain in fibromyalgia and related conditions.

Pain is the hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia (FM) and other related syndromes, but quite different from that of other rheumatic diseases, which depends on the degree of damage or inflammation in peripheral tissues. Sufferers are often defined as patients with chronic pain without an underlying mechanistic cause, and these syndromes and their symptoms are most appropriately described as "central pain", "neuropathic pain", "nonnociceptive pain" or "central sensitivity syndromes". The pain is particular, regional or widespread, and mainly relates to the musculoskeletal system; hyperalgesia or allodynia are typical. Its origin is currently considered to be distorted pain or sensory processing, rather than a local or regional abnormality. FM is probably the most important and extensively described central pain syndrome, but the characteristics and features of FM-related pain are similar in other disorders of particular interest for rheumatologists, such as myofascial pain syndromes and temporo-mandibular joint disorders, and there is also an intriguing overlap between FM and benign joint hypermobility syndrome. This suggests that the distinctive aspects of pain in these idiopathic or functional conditions is caused by central nervous system hypersensitivity and abnormalities. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been suggested for the treatment of these conditions, but a multidisciplinary approach is required in order to reduce the abnormal cycle of pain amplification and the related maladaptive and self-limiting behaviours.

A cross-sectional study of the relationship between serum sexual hormone levels and internal derangement of temporomandibular joint.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are defined as clinical conditions that involve the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum 17ß-oestradiol and progesterone levels in menstruating women affected by internal derangement of the TMJ. A total of 142 women (mean age 30·2 ± 6·7) who referred to medical diagnostic laboratory of Iranian Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad Branch, were enrolled during 2007 and 2008. Forty-seven individuals had disc displacement with reduction (Group IIa) according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC)/TMD Axis I diagnosis. Radioimmunoassay was used for the detection of serum 17ß-oestradiol and progesterone levels in all 142 subjects. The mean progesterone level was significantly higher in control group (11·6 ± 10·4 ng mL(-1) ) compared to women with TMD (8·4 ± 6·8 ng mL(-1) , P = 0·03). No significant difference was found in two groups regarding 17ß-oestradiol level. Lower progesterone level in women with TMD can suggest the more important role of this hormone in the development of the disorder.

Interaction of IL-1ß and P2X(3) receptor in pathologic masseter muscle pain.

The exact mechanism underlying chronic masseter muscle pain, a conspicuous symptom in temporomandibular disorder, remains unclear. We investigated whether expression of P2X3 receptor (P2X3R) is involved in mechanical hyperalgesia after contraction of masseter muscle (CMM). As compared with sham rats, the head-withdrawal threshold (HWT) to mechanical pressure stimulation of masseter muscle (MM) (but not after similar stimulation of facial skin) was significantly lower, and IL-1ß level was significantly higher, in CMM rats on day 7 after CMM. The mean percentage of FG-labeled P2X3R-positive neurons was significantly increased in TG following successive IL-1ß injections into the MM for 7 days. Successive administration of an IL-1ß receptor-antagonist into the MM attenuated the increase of P2X3-IR cells in the TG. ATP release from MM after 300-g pressure stimulation of MM was also significantly enhanced after CMM. Administration into MM of the selective P2X3,2/3 receptor antagonist A-317491 attenuated the decrement of HWT in CMM rats. A significant increase in HWT was also observed at 30 min after A-317491 (60 µg) injection in IL-1ß-injected rats. These findings suggest that P2X3R expression associated with enhanced IL-1ß expression and ATP release in MM has a possible important role in MM mechanical hyperalgesia after excessive muscular contraction.

Features of temporomandibular disorders in fibromyalgia syndrome.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of clinical features of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with fibromyalgia. The test group (FMG) consisted of 40 women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to the control group of 40 healthy subjects using the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD). The variables were compared using Fisher's exact test and a Mann-Whitney test. Facial pain was reported by 85% of the FM group, and 77.5% were diagnosed with myofascial TMD. Muscle pain during jaw movements, daytime bruxism/clenching, and limited mouth opening were significantly higher in the test group. There was no difference between groups in: (1) joint noises; (2) sleep bruxism/clenching; and (3) excursive or non-excursive movements. Classic signs of TMD, such as joint noise and self-reporting of clenching at night, are not associated with fibromyalgia syndrome as demonstrated in the current study. However, the self-reported daytime parafunctions, muscle pain in jaw movements, and limited mouth opening are features of the patients in the current study. This study revealed specific muscle involvement of TMD is also presence in FM.

Laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.

A prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) to check the analgesic efficacy of infrared low-power GaAlAs diode laser applied to acupuncture points. Forty female subjects, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years, with diagnoses of chronic myofascial pain and arthralgia were randomly allocated to two groups: an experimental group (EG) who received the laser acupuncture as adjunct to reversible occlusal splint therapy and a control group (CG) who received a placebo laser associated with occlusal splint therapy. Both approaches were applied once a week for 3 months. Laser acupuncture was defined by the following parameters: 50-mW continuous radiation for 90 s to acupoints ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, NT3, and EX-HN3; defining 4.5-J energy; 1250-W/cm(2) density point; and 112.5-J/cm(2) total density. The outcome measurements included a symptom evolution assessment carried out by checking spontaneous and palpation pain intensity, which was indicated on a visual analog scale (VAS). All evaluations were made by an assessor who was blind to the treatment. The symptom reduction was significant in both groups (EG: VAS = 0, n = 20; CG: VAS between 2 and 4, n = 18). The measurements showed significantly faster and lower pain intensity values in the EG (p ≤ 0.002), where there was a higher proportion of patients with remission of symptoms related to the action of laser acupuncture. For patients in whom conservative treatment was adopted, the laser acupuncture is a secure, noninvasive, and effective treatment modality because it improves the chronic pain associated with TMD and has no side effects.

The prognosis of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) during a fixed orthodontic treatment.

Among treatments in the literature for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), the most reliable therapies in dentistry are spray and stretch, and, although less frequently used, anesthetic injection. Adult MPS subjects are often treated using fixed orthodontic therapy for resolution of malocclusion. There is no clarity in the literature on the prognosis of MPS during orthodontic therapy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prognosis of MPS during orthodontic treatment of subjects with malocclusion, initially diagnosed as having MPS. The analysis covered the medical records of 91 young adult Caucasians scheduled for orthodontic treatment for various malocclusions. Thirty-seven of the patients were initially diagnosed as also having MPS (T0). Thirty patients began the orthodontic treatment and were recalled for a re-evaluation of MPS after dental alignment and dental class correction was achieved (T1). A wait-and-see strategy was applied in seven subjects who were included as the control subjects. They received no treatment for MPS. At T1, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the study group in the presence of any clicking or creaking noises from the jaw joint, a significant jaw joint and jaw muscle pain reduction, and a quality of life improvement. Among patients who were depressed at the beginning of treatment, the majority felt better at the follow-up evaluation. On muscular palpation, a statistically significant decrease was found on the visual analogic scale value of the middle fibers of the temporalis muscle, temporalis tendon, clavicular and sternal division of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, masseter muscles, and posterior cervical muscles. The temporalis and the masseter muscles showed a significant decrease in the number of subjects with trigger points (TrPs) in all areas in the study group, after treatment. The digastric and sternocleidomastoid muscles also showed a significant reduction in the number of subjects with TrPs. Subjects with MPS and malocclusion were treated using a fixed orthodontic treatment. They showed improvement, although no resolution, in the signs and symptoms of MPS, compared with the untreated control group.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction after mandibular fracture in children: a 10-year review.

OBJECTIVES: To collect demographic and clinical data on pediatric mandibular fractures and to assess temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction in patients with condylar and subcondylar (C/SC) fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective case series of pediatric mandibular fractures (1999-2009) with follow-up telephone questionnaire of patients with C/SC fractures. Collected data included age, gender, unilateral vs bilateral C/SC fracture, presence of concomitant fracture, velocity of injury, and treatment modality. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Of 164 patients with mandibular fractures, 83 (50.6%) had C/SC fractures, of which 45 (54.2%) completed the questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Helkimo Anamnestic Dysfunction Index (A(i)) quantification of TMJ dysfunction after C/SC fracture and treatment modality of C/SC fractures. RESULTS: Of the 164 patients, 122 (74.4%) were male (median age, 10.4 years; age range, 0.6-19.0 years). Of the 83 patients with C/SC fractures, 61 (73.5%) were male (median age, 9.1 years; age range, 1.1-18.7 years); 66 (79.5%) had unilateral fractures and 17 (20.5%) had bilateral fractures. The A(i) distribution of the 45 patients who completed the questionnaire was as follows: 15 (33.3%) none, 6 (13.3%) mild, and 24 (53.3%) severe. Females have more severe dysfunction than do males (95% confidence interval, 1.6-140.0; P = .02). No other significant predictors of treatment modality or TMJ dysfunction were identified. Patients with bilateral fracture are 8.1 times (95% confidence interval, 1.0-66.1 times; P = .05) more likely to have closed reduction than are those with unilateral fracture. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest series of pediatric C/SC fractures reported in the recent literature. Findings are significant for increased severity of TMJ dysfunction in females and higher incidence of closed reduction in patients with bilateral C/SC fracture.

Effect of cigarette smoking on pain intensity of TMD patients: a pilot study.

To evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking (CS) on pain intensity in a sample of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients, 352 clinical charts were reviewed. Subjects were first divided into two groups: smokers (YS) and nonsmokers (NS); then, YS were further divided into three subgroups: light smokers (LS), moderate smokers (MS), and heavy smokers (HS). Overall TMD pain intensity was higher in YS, compared to NS, and a correlation was found between pain intensity and the number of cigarettes smoked in a day by each subject. A significant difference was evident between NS and HS. The results were not evident in males; age was not correlated either with smoking or pain intensity, and the effect of CS on pain intensity was not correlated with any particular TMD diagnosis. CS seems to be a relevant factor affecting the intensity of TMD pain, thus, control of smoking habits should be considered when treating TMD patients.

Emg analysis after laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Implications for practice.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low level laser applied to acupuncture points of patients diagnosed with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Ten patients aged between 20 and 50 years were clinically examined with regard to pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system. They received laser applications (GaAlAs diode laser, 780 nm wavelength; 70 mW power output, 35 j/cm(2)) in acupuncture specific points (Ig4, C3, E6, E7) once a week, for ten sessions. The range of jaw movement was registered after each session and visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied. Results were analyzed (SPSS-15.0-Chicago) during the comparison, before and after treatment. Statistical tests showed significant improvements (p < 0.01) in painful symptoms and electromyographic activities of masseter muscles in maximal habitual occlusion after laser applications but no significant improvements (p = 0.05) in measurements of mandibular movements. The laser therapy in specific acupuncture points promoted improvement of symptoms and it may be used as complementary therapy for TMD.