Effectiveness of Laser Acupuncture for Reducing Pain and Increasing Mouth Opening Range in Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Laser acupuncture (LA) demonstrates promising results in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. However, its effects on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are not yet fully understood. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of LA on pain intensity and maximum mouth opening range (MMO) related to TMD. A search was carried out in 11 electronic databases and references of included studies to locate randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated LA as a primary treatment for TMD. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. Network meta-analysis was conducted on the MetaInsight platform, considering the pain intensity and counseling (C) as the outcome of reference. The GRADE system was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. RECENT FINDINGS: Five studies evaluated pain intensity, four with a high risk of bias and one with a low risk. Two studies evaluated pain intensity on palpation (one with high and one with low risk of bias), and one study with high risk of bias evaluated MMO. Laser parameters were: 690-810 nm, 40-150 mW, and 7.5-112.5 J/cm2. Occlusal splint (OS) [- 2.47; CI 95% - 3.64, - 1.30] and Physiotherapy (PT) [-2.64; CI 95% - 3.94, - 1.34] reduced pain intensity compared to C. The ranking of treatments in order of effectiveness was PT > OS > LA > C > CR (craniopuncture). The certainty of the evidence was very low or low. The data do not support the indication of LA for the treatment of TMDs and new placebo-controlled RCTs must be conducted to demonstrate its effectiveness more precisely.

Temporomandibular disorders: knowledge, competency, and attitudes of predoctoral dental students.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge, competency, and attitudes related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among predoctoral dental students, and to investigate the curricular organization of contents related to TMD and occlusion. METHODS: Predoctoral dental students (n = 147) answered a questionnaire with topics related to TMD. Another questionnaire evaluated the organization of TMD and occlusion courses. RESULTS: Contents related to TMD and occlusion were taught in the same course in all dental schools. The students' responses showed low agreement with the current gold standards pertaining to TMD. Most students declared that they did not feel confident to treat patients with TMD (62.6%), were not satisfied with the content pertaining to TMD (55.8%), and considered a lack of clinical practice to be the primary limitation in their training (59.2%). DISCUSSION: Students' knowledge of basic concepts related to TMD was limited, highlighting the need for readjustment of the dental curriculum to increase clinical experience.

Prosthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: prevention and implications.

The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Dental practice," "Prosthodontics," and "Dental infection control." Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.

Prosthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: prevention and implications

Abstract: The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Dental practice," "Prosthodontics," and "Dental infection control." Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.

Weight-loss and surface roughness of enamel after microabrasion procedure with different agents / Perda de peso e rugosidade da superfície do esmalte após procedimento de microabrasão com diferentes agentes

Introduction: Enamel microabrasion is achieved by abrasion of the enamel surface and it is a quick, practical and efficient procedure. Objective It was assessed the weight loss and surface aspect of enamel after microabrasion procedures with commercial and mixtures made in-office. Material and method Eighty bovine incisors were divided into four groups (n=10): OpalustreTM (6.6% HCl + silicon carbide); Whiteness RMTM (6% HCl + silicon carbide); 37% H3PO4 + pumice and 10% HCl + pumice. Treatment was performed by 15 applications of 10s duration. The enamel weight loss was determined by the difference in weight before and after the microabrasion. The surfaces were analyzed by a surface roughness equipment and scanning electron microscopy. Data were submitted to paired-T test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Result It was observed significantly weight loss for all groups. The difference in weight loss ranged from 0.037±0.012 for group 37% H3PO4 and from 0.054±0.009 for group 6,6% HCl. There was a significant increase in surface roughness for all groups and 10% HCl group showed the lower results (0.65±0.09). It was observed different patterns of enamel morphology by SEM images. Conclusion The in-office mixtures resulted in the lowest enamel structure loss (37% H3PO4) and the lowest surface roughness (10% HCl).

Introdução: A microabrasão do esmalte é realizada através da abrasão da superfície do mesmo, apresentando-se como um procedimento rápido, prático e eficiente. Objetivo Avaliar a perda de peso e o aspecto superficial do esmalte após procedimentos de microabrasão com agentes comerciais e não comerciais. Material e método Oitenta incisivos bovinos foram divididos em quatro grupos (n = 10): OpalustreTM (6,6% HCl + carboneto de silício); Whiteness RMTM (6% HCl + carboneto de silício); 37% H3PO4 + pedra-pomes e 10% HCl + pedra-pomes. O tratamento foi realizado em 15 aplicações de 10s de duração. A perda de peso do esmalte foi determinada pela diferença de peso antes e depois da microabrasão. As superfícies foram analisadas por equipamento de rugosidade superficial e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste T-pareado, ANOVA one-way e teste de Tukey (α = 0,05). Resultado Foi observada perda de peso significativa para todos os grupos, a diferença na perda de peso variou de -0,037±0,012 para o grupo 37% H3PO4 a -0.054±0.009 para o grupo 6.6% HCl. Houve um aumento significativo na rugosidade da superfície para todos os grupos e o grupo 10%HCl apresentou os resultados mais baixos (0,65±0,09). Foram observados diferentes padrões de morfologia do esmalte por meio de imagens MEV. Conclusão Os agentes não comerciais resultaram na menor perda de estrutura do esmalte (37% H3PO4) e na rugosidade superficial (10% HCl).

Effect of hydrochloric acid commercial presentation for microabrasion technique on loss of enamel structure and surface / Efeito da apresentação comercial de ácido clorídrico para técnica de microabrasão na perda de estrutura e superfície do esmalte

Introdução: A técnica de microabrasão pode ser realizada através de pasta pronta para uso, disponível comercialmente, ou o profissional pode manipulá-la no consultório. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito da apresentação comercial do ácido clorídrico a 10% na manipulação de pasta para microabrasão sobre a superfície do esmalte. Metodologia: Foram selecionados incisivos bovinos e divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a apresentação comercial do ácido clorídrico (líquido ou em gel). O tratamento foi realizado através de dez aplicações com 10s de duração cada, intercaladas por lavagem de 10s. Vinte incisivos (n=10) foram utilizados para se determinar a perda de estrutura do esmalte. Cada amostra foi pesada, em balança analítica, antes e após submissão à microabrasão. Outras 20 amostras (n=10) foram utilizadas para determinação da rugosidade superficial média (Ra) utilizando-se um rugosímetro. Três amostras de cada grupo do experimento anterior foram selecionadas, aleatoriamente, e outras três amostras adicionais foram preparadas como controle (baseline) para análise em MEV. Resultados: Verificou-se diferença estatística significativa entre a massa final e a inicial e rugosidade superficial das amostras, independente da apresentação comercial do ácido. Nas imagens de MEV observou-se presença de superfície regular para o grupo controle (baseline). Nas demais imagens verificou-se superfície com considerável irregularidade e dissolução discreta do esmalte. Conclusões: O tratamento realizado causou perda significativa de estrutura e aumentou a rugosidade superficial dos espécimes, independente da apresentação comercial do ácido e sem apresentar diferença entre os grupos ao final. A apresentação comercial do ácido não parece ser um fator a interferir no tratamento. (AU)

Introduction: The microabrasion technique can be performed using a commercially available paste, or the dentist can prepare it in his office. Objective: To verify the effect of hydrochloric acid commercial presentation in the handling of microabrasion paste on the enamel surface. Methodology: Bovine incisors were divided into two groups, according to the commercial presentation of 10% hydrochloric acid (liquid or gel). The treatment was carried out through ten applications of 10 s duration each, intercalated with a 10s wash. Twenty teeth (n=10) were used to determine the loss of enamel structure. Each sample was weighed on an analytical balance before and after submission to microabrasion. Another 20 teeth (n=10) were used to determine the average surface roughness (Ra) using a rugosimeter. Three samples from each group of the previous experiment were selected, randomly, and another three additional samples were repared as a control (baseline) for SEM analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the final and initial mass and the surface roughness of the samples, regardless of the acid commercial presentation. In the SEM images, a regular surface was observed for the control group (baseline). In the other images, there was a surface with considerable irregularity and a slight dissolution of the enamel. Conclusions: The treatment carried out. (AU)

The knowledge level of dental surgeons regarding the relationship between occlusal factors and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) / Nível de conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre a relação entre fatores oclusais e Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM)

Introduction: The relationship between dental occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) remains a subject of disagreement. Many professionals erroneously base diagnosis and treatment strictly on the occlusal factor, despite the fact that current scientific evidence does not show such a relationship. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of dental surgeons (DSs) from João Pessoa (PB)-Brazil, regarding the relationship between occlusal factors and TMD. Materials and method: A sample of 100 DSs who do not have expertise in TMD and orofacial pain (CG Group) and seven DSs with this specialty (EG Group) completed a questionnaire that addresses issues concerning knowledge of TMD and its relationship with occlusal factors. The questionnaire also contained information used to characterize the sample, such as age, gender, and length of experience. The current literature's degree of consensus was established as the "gold standard" response for each statement and was compared with the responses of the specialists and non-specialists. Data were tabulated using the SPSS software package and analyzed descriptively (by percentage) and statistically using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05). Result: A wide divergence could be observed between the knowledge of DSs who do not specialize in TMD and orofacial pain and that of professionals who do. Conclusion: There was low agreement between specialists and non-specialists. The relationship between dental occlusion and TMD remains unclear for the vast majority of participating professionals, which may prove to be reflected in diagnostic behaviors and inappropriate occlusal treatment for the management of TMD.

Introdução: A relação da oclusão dentária com a Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) ainda gera divergências. Muitos profissionais erroneamente baseiam o diagnóstico e a terapia estritamente no fator oclusal, apesar das evidências científicas atuais não mostrarem tal relação. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas (CDs) de João Pessoa-PB, acerca da relação entre fatores oclusais e DTM. Material e método: Uma amostra de 100 CDs que não possuem especialização em DTM e Dor Orofacial (Grupo GN), além de sete CDs com essa especialidade (Grupo GE) preencheram questionário abordando assuntos relativos ao conhecimento da DTM e sua relação com fatores oclusais. O questionário continha também informações para caracterização da amostra como idade, gênero e tempo de formado. O grau de consenso da literatura atual para cada sentença foi estabelecido como "padrão-ouro" de resposta, o qual foi comparado com as respostas dos especialistas e não especialistas. Os dados foram tabulados no programa SPSS e analisados de forma descritiva (através de porcentagens) e, estatística, por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher (p<0,05). Resultado: Observou-se grande divergência no conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sem especialidade em DTM e Dor Orofacial com os profissionais dessa especialidade. Conclusão: Houve baixa concordância entre os especialistas e não especialistas. A relação entre oclusão dentária e disfunção temporomandibular ainda permanece obscura para a grande maioria dos profissionais entrevistados, o que pode vir a se refletir em condutas de diagnóstico e tratamento oclusal inadequadas para o manejo das DTM.

Low- level laser therapy for temporomandibular disorders ( tmd) treatment: a systematic review of randomized trials

AIM: Conducting a systematic review of randomized clinical trials focusing on the efficacy of LLLT on pain control in patients with TMD, diagnosed by the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Search was performed at PubMed/MEDLINE database with the terms: (1) "Laser AND temporomandibular disorders"; (2) "Laser AND temporomandibular disorders AND RDC/TMD"; (3) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular disorders"; (4) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular disorders AND RDC/TMD"; (5) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular joint dysfuntion syndrome"; (6) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular joint dysfuntion syndrome AND RDC/TMD"; (7) "Laser AND temporomandibular joint dysfuntion syndrome" (8) "Laser AND RDC/TMD"; (9) "Low-level laser therapy AND RDC/TMD". Inclusion criteria: articles need to be randomized clinical trial performed in humans; evaluate the effect of LLLT in the treatment of TMD diagnosed by the use of RDC/TMD; published in English or Portuguese in the last 10 years. Protocol studies and pilot studies were excluded. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. The type of laser used was Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAlAs) diode, with exception of 1 paper, which used super pulsed Gallium Arsenide laser. Eight studies reported decreased in pain levels, in two articles there was no statistically significant difference between test and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: In most studies, LLLT was effective in pain remission, but there is no standardization in parameters like wavelength, output power and frequency. Studies with more complex experimental designs, standardized diagnostic criteria for TMD and defined protocols for the use of LLLT are needed to determine its efficacy in the treatment of TMD.