Association between obstructive sleep apnea and temporomandibular disorders: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common condition in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, there is little evidence of a connection between them. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between OSA and TMD in adult population. METHODS: Case-control, cross-sectional and cohort studies on the association between TMD and OSA were searched in the EMBASE, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Open Grey and Pro Quest databases. TMD should be assessed using Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) or Diagnostic Criteria (DC/TMD) and OSA using polysomnography (PSG) and/or a validated questionnaire. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklists; and an association meta-analysis was performed. The effect measure included the odds ratio (OR) in dichotomous variables and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Certainty of evidence was determined by analysing groups using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: Out of the 1024 articles screened, 7 met the inclusion criteria for the qualitative synthesis, and 6 for quantitative analysis. All articles were classified at low risk of bias. A positive association with OSA was found in patients with TMD (OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 2.31, 2.95). A significant association was also found irrespective to the OSA diagnostic methods applied (for studies using PSG + validated questionnaires: OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 2.11, 3.57; for studies using validated questionnaires only: OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 2.22, 2.92). GRADE was moderate. CONCLUSION: Patients with TMD presented a significant association with OSA regardless of the OSA diagnostic method (PSG and/or validated questionnaires). OSA screening should be part of the TMD examination routine. Furthermore, due to the different OSA assessment methods used and the small number of studies included, there is a need to include a larger number of studies using PSG to better elucidate this association.

Benefits of the combination of digital and analogic tools as a strategy to control possible awake bruxism: A randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Awake Bruxism (AB) management includes cognitive and behavioural changes. Digital and analogic tools can be used to remind the individual to control/avoid AB behaviours. However, no study addressed both tools together. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of the combination of digital (smartphone application) and analogic (adhesive reminders) tools versus digital tool alone for AB management. METHODS: Seventy-two individuals diagnosed with probable AB were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (n = 24), used both digital and analogic tools during 30 days; Group 2 (n = 24), used only a digital tool during 30 days and Group 3 (n = 24), used only a digital tool for the first 15 days and then added the analogic tool for 15 days. The AB frequency was measured in real-time with a smartphone app, which sent alerts asking the individuals if they were doing any AB behaviours (bracing, teeth contact, clenching or grinding). Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA and before-after adding an analogic tool (group 3) by paired t-test, considering α = 0.05. RESULTS: All groups showed a decrease in AB behaviours at the end of the evaluation period. Group 1 (digital and analogic tools) showed the lowest average of AB behaviours among all groups; however, statistically significant differences were found only for the comparison between groups 1 and 2. In group 3, a significantly greater reduction in AB behaviours was found after combining both approaches. CONCLUSION: The combination of digital and analogic tools showed the greatest reduction of AB frequency and can be recommended for AB control.

Assessment of awake bruxism and oral mucosa indentation in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucosa indentations can be signs of awake bruxism (AB) in adults, but this association has not yet been verified in adolescents. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of AB in adolescents and determine whether there is an association between AB and oral mucosa indentation. METHODS: This study enrolled 66 high school students, mean age of 16.9 (±0.54) years. Clinical inspection was performed to assess the presence or absence of tongue, cheek and lip mucosa indentation. AB was assessed by the Ecological Momentary Assessment method using the WhatsApp mobile app. Messages were sent 15 times a day, 7 days, between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM at random times to choose one of the five oral behaviours: teeth contact, teeth clenching, teeth grinding, mandible bracing and relaxed jaw muscles. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test for independent samples, Friedman test for paired samples, Friedman pairwise multiple comparisons non-parametric test, Pearson's chi-squared tests, and z-test of comparisons between two proportions were performed (p < .05). RESULTS: During the week the frequency of AB behaviours was 56.20%, teeth contact was the most frequent (37.68% ± 22.26%), significantly more frequent than other AB behaviours; there was a greater frequency of cheek indentation (27.27%) and no difference between genders in oral behaviours and indentations (p > .05). A higher frequency of AB behaviours was observed in individuals with a greater frequency of cheek indentation (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Teeth contact and cheek indentation were the most frequent conditions among adolescents and AB behaviours are associated with this indentation.

Catastrophizing and Hypervigilance Influence Subjective Sleep Quality in Painful TMD Patients

Aims: To determine sleep quality and associated factors in a group of patients with painful TMDs. Methods: The medical records of 80 patients with arthralgia and/or myofascial pain were reviewed and compared to a healthy control group. Data about sex, age, subjective pain, physical activity, social activity, subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), pain vigilance (Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire [PVAQ]), and pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS]) were collected. Relationships between PSQI, age, pain intensity, PVAQ, and PCS in the TMD group were also analyzed. Data from the control group were used to transform the PSQI results into T-scores, which were then used to divide the TMD group into two subgroups: normal and impaired sleep. Results: TMD patients presented a significantly higher (P < .001) PSQI score than the control group. Also, in the TMD group, there was a low to moderate correlation between PSQI and pain intensity and a significant correlation between PVAQ and PCS. The impaired sleep group presented a significantly higher (P < .001) PSQI T-score than the normal sleep group. Univariate analysis showed that subjective pain, social activity, and the PCS total and subscale scores differed significantly between the different PSQI T-score groups. The comparison between TMD pain patients and control subjects showed a significantly higher prevalence of T-score discordance in almost all PSQI components in TMD patients with impaired sleep. Conclusion: Subjective sleep quality in painful TMD patients could be associated with and influenced by psychosocial factors (catastrophizing and hypervigilance), social activity, and pain intensity.

Research routes on improved sleep bruxism metrics: Toward a standardised approach.

A recent report from the European Sleep Research Society's task force "Beyond AHI" discussed an issue that has been a long-term subject of debate - what are the best metrics for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) diagnosis and treatment outcome assessments? In a similar way, sleep bruxism (SB) metrics have also been a recurrent issue for >30 years and there is still uncertainty in dentistry regarding their optimisation and clinical relevance. SB can occur alone or with comorbidities such as OSA, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, insomnia, headache, orofacial pain, periodic limb movement, rapid eye movement behaviour disorder, and sleep epilepsy. Classically, the diagnosis of SB is based on the patient's dental and medical history and clinical manifestations; electromyography is used in research and for complex cases. The emergence of new technologies, such as sensors and artificial intelligence, has opened new opportunities. The main objective of the present review is to stimulate the creation of a collaborative taskforce on SB metrics. Several examples are available in sleep medicine. The development of more homogenised metrics could improve the accuracy and refinement of SB assessment, while moving forward toward a personalised approach. It is time to develop SB metrics that are relevant to clinical outcomes and benefit patients who suffer from one or more possible negative consequences of SB.

MINDFULNESS: uma terapia complementar na dor crônica / MINDFULNESS: a complementary therapy for chronic pain

Um dos grandes desafios da Dor Crônica é o impacto negativo sobre os aspectos físicos e emocionais do indivíduo, frequentemente associado com depressão, ansiedade e incapacidade física. Terapias baseadas em práticas meditativas vem sendo estudadas e possuem resultados promissores no controle da dor crônica. Os objetivos deste estudo são verificar na literatura se as Intervenções Baseadas em Mindfulness (IBM`s) apresentam eficácia no tratamento da dor crônica e destacar quais ferramentas podem ser utilizadas na prática clínica. Com a introdução do Mindfulness na medicina, criaram-se intervenções baseadas nesta prática para que pudessem ser aplicadas na clínica. Com isso, diversos estudos nos últimos 20 anos foram desenvolvidos com o objetivo de avaliar alterações morfológicas no cérebro de pacientes após a prática de IBM`s. As evidências indicam que ser mais "mindful" é uma tendência natural ou um resultado de uma prática profunda. A efetividade das IBM`s na dor crônica depende da prática intensa ou da personalidade do paciente. Apesar de ainda não haver um consenso sobre as práticas baseadas em Mindfulness, atualmente existem evidências moderadas de que podem ser utilizadas como uma terapia complementar ao tratamento convencional em pacientes portadores de dores crônicas.

One of the major challenges of Chronic Pain is the physical and emotional negative impact of the individual, often associated with depression, anxiety and physical disability. Therapies based on meditative practices have been studied and have promising results in the control of chronic pain. The aims of this study were to verify in the literature whether Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI`s) are effective in treating chronic pain and which tools can be used in the clinical practice. With the introduction of Mindfulness in medicine, interventions based on this practice were created so that they could be applied in the clinic. Thus, several studies over the last 20 years have been developed to evaluate morphological changes in the brain of patients after the practice of MBI`s. Evidence indicates that being more "mindful" is a natural tendency or a result of deep practice. The effectiveness of IBM's in chronic pain depends on the patient's intense practice or personality. Although there is still no consensus on Mindfulness-based practices, there is currently moderate evidence that they can be used as a complementary therapy to conventional treatment in patients with chronic pain.

Pain complications of oral implants: Is that an issue?

The use of oral implants as a form of replacing missing teeth in partial or total edentulous patients is considered the gold standard in oral rehabilitation. Although considered a history of success in contemporary dentistry, surgical complications may occur, as excessive bleeding, damage to the adjacent teeth and mandibular fractures. Persistent pain and abnormal somatosensory responses after the surgery ordinary healing time are also potential problems and may lead to the development of a condition named posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain (PTNP). Though relatively rare, PTNP has a profound impact on patient's quality of life. Appropriated previous image techniques, effective anaesthetic procedures and caution during the surgical procedure and implant installation are recommended for the prevention of this condition. In case of the PTNP, different management modalities, including antidepressant and membrane stabilizer medications, as well as peripheral strategies, as the use of topical medication and the botulin toxin are presented and discussed.

Wake-Up Headache Is Associated With Sleep Bruxism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the frequency of sleep bruxism and report of morning headaches, and associations with depression and/or anxiety. BACKGROUND: The association between sleep bruxism and headaches in the morning, and between these factors and affective disorders, has been examined in several investigations. Although headache is cited by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders as a symptom associated with sleep bruxism, only a small number of studies have investigated the association between the frequencies of headaches in the morning and bruxism. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted between August 2017 and May 2018 in the municipality of Curitiba, Brazil. It comprised individuals of both sexes, ages between 18 and 65 years, with no restriction of race, skin color, or social group (n = 149). Structured questionnaires were used to survey demographic characteristics, sleep bruxism, depression, and anxiety. Self-reports and clinical examinations were used together to diagnose probable sleep bruxism and assess the frequency of this condition. The presence or absence of morning headaches and their frequency were evaluated using a self-report question. It was applied to people with anxiety and/or depression and to free controls of the general population by a trained dentist. RESULTS: A significant relationship (P Ë‚ .001 - Chi-square test) was found between the frequency of sleep bruxism and morning headaches. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with the presence of headache (P Ë‚ .001 - One way ANOVA), but not with the frequency of sleep bruxism. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the hypothesis of a direct relationship between the frequency of sleep bruxism and the frequency of morning headaches. It also confirmed a linear association between mean depression scores, mean anxiety scores, and morning headaches.

The association of self-reported awake bruxism with anxiety, depression, pain threshold at pressure, pain vigilance, and quality of life in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of awake bruxism was associated with temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms, pain threshold at pressure, pain vigilance, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and anxiety and depression symptoms in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. METHODOLOGY: This observational study followed patients who had started receiving orthodontic treatment for six months. The following variables were measured three times (at baseline, one month, and six months): pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the right and left masseter, anterior temporalis, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and right forearm; pain vigilance and awareness questionnaire; and shortened form of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the Beck anxiety inventory and the Beck depression inventory, respectively. The patients were divided into two main groups according to the presence (n=56) and absence (n=58) of possible awake bruxism. The multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied on the date (p=0.050). RESULTS: TMJ and/or muscle pain were not observed in both groups. Time, sex, age group, and awake bruxism did not affect the PPT in the masticatory muscles and pain vigilance (p>0.050). However, the primary effect of awake bruxism was observed when anxiety (ANOVA: F=8.61, p=0.004) and depression (ANOVA: F=6.48, p=0.012) levels were higher and the OHRQoL was lower (ANOVA: F=8.61, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The patients with self-reported awake bruxism undergoing an orthodontic treatment did not develop TMJ/masticatory muscle pain. The self-reported awake bruxism is associated with higher anxiety and depression levels and a poorer OHRQoL in patients during the orthodontic treatment.

Botulinum toxin-A injections as therapy for chronic painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy: case report / Injeções de toxina botulínica-A como terapia para dor neuropática trigeminal pós-traumática crônica: relato de caso

Painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN) involves spontaneous and evoked pain, of moderate to severe intensity, continuous and described as burning or shooting. The first line treatment is pharmacological. However, botulinum toxin - A (BoNT-A) can be used when medications cannot control pain. This article describes the use of BoNT-A in a case of PTTN refractory to conventional pharmacological treatment. A 44-year-old male patient presented with an 8-years history of pain in the lower left second molar region. Pain was burning, lasting for seconds, with multiple pain episodes per day. Diagnosis hypothesis was PTTN. After no improvement with conventional pharmacological treatment, injections of BoNT-A were elected. Somatosensory assessment showed a significant reduction in visual analog scale for touch, cold and pinprick sensitivity. Likewise, patient's impression of change in pain significantly improved after BoNT-A injections. Our results suggest that BoNT-A could be used as a treatment for PTTN refractory to conventional treatments. (AU)

A neuropatia trigeminal pós-traumática dolorosa (PTTN) envolve dor espontânea e evocada, de intensidade moderada a grave, contínua e descrita como queimante ou lascinante. O tratamento de primeira linha é farmacológico. No entanto, a toxina botulínica - A (BoNT-A) pode ser usada quando os medicamentos não conseguem controlar a dor. Este artigo descreve o uso da BoNT-A em um caso de PTTN refratário ao tratamento farmacológico convencional. Paciente de sexo masculino, 44 anos, com 8 anos de dor na região do segundo molar inferior esquerdo. A dor foi descrita como queimante, com duração de segundos e com vários episódios por dia. A hipótese de diagnóstico foi PTTN. Após nenhuma melhora com o tratamento farmacológico convencional, as injeções de BoNT-A foram eleitas. A avaliação somatossensorial mostrou uma redução significativa na escala visual analógica para sensibilidade ao toque, frio e picada após BoNT-A. Da mesma forma, a impressão de mudança do paciente na dor melhorou significativamente após as injeções de BoNT-A. Nossos resultados sugerem que o BoNT-A poderia ser usada como tratamento para PTTN refratário a tratamentos convencionais. (AU)

The association of self-reported awake bruxism with anxiety, depression, pain threshold at pressure, pain vigilance, and quality of life in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of awake bruxism was associated with temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms, pain threshold at pressure, pain vigilance, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and anxiety and depression symptoms in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methodology This observational study followed patients who had started receiving orthodontic treatment for six months. The following variables were measured three times (at baseline, one month, and six months): pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the right and left masseter, anterior temporalis, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and right forearm; pain vigilance and awareness questionnaire; and shortened form of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the Beck anxiety inventory and the Beck depression inventory, respectively. The patients were divided into two main groups according to the presence (n=56) and absence (n=58) of possible awake bruxism. The multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied on the date (p=0.050). Results TMJ and/or muscle pain were not observed in both groups. Time, sex, age group, and awake bruxism did not affect the PPT in the masticatory muscles and pain vigilance (p>0.050). However, the primary effect of awake bruxism was observed when anxiety (ANOVA: F=8.61, p=0.004) and depression (ANOVA: F=6.48, p=0.012) levels were higher and the OHRQoL was lower (ANOVA: F=8.61, p=0.004). Conclusion The patients with self-reported awake bruxism undergoing an orthodontic treatment did not develop TMJ/masticatory muscle pain. The self-reported awake bruxism is associated with higher anxiety and depression levels and a poorer OHRQoL in patients during the orthodontic treatment.

Botulinum toxin type A applications for masticatory myofascial pain and trigeminal neuralgia: what is the evidence regarding adverse effects?

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review of literature assessing botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) safety and adverse effects in the treatment of myofascial pain (MFP) and trigeminal neuralgia (TN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search for articles by two specific researchers involved the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Specific terms were used, and no publication time and language restrictions were applied. Clinical trials that investigated the effects of BoNT-A among participants with myofascial pain in masticatory muscles or trigeminal neuralgia were considered eligible for this systematic review. Data for each study were extracted and analyzed according to a PICO-like structured reading. RESULTS: The search strategy provided 436 citations. After analysis, 16 citations were included, seven for MFP and nine for TN. In all studies, BoNT-A was well tolerated and improved pain. The most common adverse effects were temporary regional weakness, tenderness over the injection sites, and minor discomfort during chewing. Most studies reported a spontaneous resolution of adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that BoNT-A treatment is well tolerated, since minor adverse effects were the most frequently reported; however, it is recommended that future studies aim to assess the safety and possible adverse effects of multiples applications or high doses of this treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BoNT-A has been increasingly diffused in dentistry, being used for the management of masticatory myofascial pain and trigeminal neuralgia. Nonetheless, there is no consensus about its efficacy and adverse effects that could occur when this treatment is applied.

Placebo and nocebo response magnitude on temporomandibular disorder-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to answer the following question: "In adult patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related pain, what is the placebo or nocebo effect of different therapies?" METHODS: A SR was performed with randomised clinical placebo-controlled trials on diagnosed painful TMD studies from five main databases and from three grey literature. Studies included must have sample older than 18 years, with painful TMD, which diagnosis was done by Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) or Diagnostic Criteria (DC/TMD). RESULTS: Out of 770 articles obtained, 42 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative and 26 for quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis indicated mean variation on pain intensity for placebo therapy was higher on laser acupuncture with 45.5 mm point reduction, followed by avocado soya bean extract with 36 mm and amitriptyline 25 mg with 25.2 mm. Laser showed a 29% of placebo effect, as well medicine with 19% and other therapies with 26%. Possible nocebo effect of 8% pain increase was found for intra-articular injection of Ultracain. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available data, the placebo response could play a major effect on TMD pain management and may be responsible from 10% to 75% of pain relief. Laser acupuncture, avocado soya bean and amitriptyline promoted the higher placebo effect. Possible nocebo effect was found only for Ultracain injection with 8%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians could apply such evidence to optimise pain management and judgement about treatment efficacy, and researches may find it useful when designing their investigations.

Bruxism: An umbrella review of systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVES: To synthesise available knowledge about both sleep (SB) and awake bruxism (AB) as depicted by previous published systematic reviews (SR). METHODS: SR investigating any bruxism-related outcome were selected in a two-phase process. Searches were performed on seven main electronic databases and a partial grey literature search on three databases. Risk of bias of included SR was assessed using the "University of Bristol's tool for assessing risk of bias in SR". RESULTS: From 1038 studies, 41 SR were included. Findings from these SR suggested that (a) among adults, prevalence of AB was 22%-30%, SB (1%-15%), and SB among children and adolescents (3%-49%); (b) factors consistently associated with bruxism were use of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, some psychotropic medications, oesophageal acidification and second-hand smoke; temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms presented a plausible association; (c) portable diagnostic devices showed overall higher values of specificity (0.83-1.00) and sensitivity (0.40-1.00); (d) bruxism might result in biomechanical complications regarding dental implants; however, evidence was inconclusive regarding other dental restorations and periodontal impact; (e) occlusal appliances were considered effective for bruxism management, although current evidence was considered weak regarding other therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Current knowledge from SR was mostly related to SB. Higher prevalence rates were found in children and adolescents than in adults. Associated factors and bruxism effects on stomatognathic structures were considerably heterogeneous and inconsistent. Overall good accuracy regarding portable diagnostic devices was found. Interventions' effectiveness was mostly inconclusive regarding the majority of available therapies, with the exception of occlusal appliances.

Association between sleep bruxism and anxiety symptoms in adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the association between sleep bruxism (SB) and anxiety symptoms in adults. METHODS: A systematic review was performed and studies assessing SB by means of questionnaires, clinical examination and/or polysomnography (PSG), and validated questionnaires to assess anxiety, were included. Search strategies were developed for seven main electronic databases. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies, and confidence in cumulative evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS: Eight cross-sectional studies were included, of which five were judged with low and three with moderate risk of bias. No association with SB was observed in three studies that investigated generic levels of anxiety, while other two papers that evaluated generic anxiety levels through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) found a positive association with probable and definite SB in both STAI-1 and STAI-2 subscales. Only one study evaluated dental anxiety in particular and an association with probable SB was observed regarding very anxious or extremely anxious scores. Two studies assessed specific symptoms of anxiety using the panic-agoraphobic spectra evaluation (PAS-SR) questionnaire. Significantly higher PAS-SR total scores were observed in both studies with regard to SB. No study with definitive assessment of SB was identified. CONCLUSION: Current literature is controversial regarding an association between SB and generic symptoms of anxiety in adults. It seems that some specific symptoms of the anxiety disorders spectrum might be associated with probable SB.

Association between signs and symptoms of bruxism and presence of tori: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to answer the question: "Is there an association between any specific signs and symptoms of bruxism and the presence of tori?" MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational studies, which evaluated the association between signs and symptoms of bruxism and tori, were selected. Signs and symptoms of bruxism (such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, abnormal tooth wear, facial muscle hypertrophy, pain, or fatigue) had to be determined by questionnaire or anamnesis and tori within clinical assessment. Search-strategies were developed for five databases, in addition to three gray literature's databases. The risk of bias was evaluated using the "Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument". A summary of overall strength of evidence was estimated using GRADE's Summary of findings table. RESULTS: Among 575 studies, five were included. Two studies were categorized as moderate risk of bias and three as high risk of bias. Self-report of teeth grinding and/or clenching presented contradictory results. Presence of abnormal tooth wear increased the odds of having tori, mainly for torus mandibularis. The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to very low. CONCLUSION: Based on available evidence, the presence of abnormal tooth wear might be associated with tori, mainly torus mandibularis. There is no sufficient evidence to credit or discredit the association of tori and other signs and/or symptoms of bruxism. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bruxism diagnosis is a challenge. The association between signs and symptoms of bruxism and tori could help clinicians on the recognition of patients susceptible to bruxism. This knowledge might also aid to the understanding of tori's development and stimulate new relevant research.

Pain from Dental Implant Placement, Inflammatory Pulpitis Pain, and Neuropathic Pain Present Different Somatosensory Profiles.

AIMS: To address the two following questions: (1) What kind of somatosensory abnormalities may be characterized in patients receiving dental implants (IMP), in ongoing inflammatory dental pulpitis (IP) patients, and in neuropathic pain (atypical odontalgia [AO]) patients? and (2) What sort of sensory and neural changes may result from dental implant placement surgery and pulpectomy? METHODS: A total of 60 subjects were divided into three groups: the IMP (n = 20), IP (n = 20), and AO groups (n = 20). Quantitative sensory testing (QST) was performed preoperatively (baseline) for all three groups and postoperatively at 1 month and 3 months after dental implant placement or pulpectomy (in the IMP group and IP group, respectively). Statistical analyses were completed with one-way and two-way analysis of variance and z score transformations (α = 5%). RESULTS: The main findings of this study indicated that: (1) Elevations in mechanical detection threshold (MDT) and in current perception threshold (CPT) related to C-fiber activation, indicating a loss of function, were found at baseline in IP patients; (2) Somatosensory abnormalities such as allodynia, reduced MDT and mechanical pain threshold (MPT), and impaired pain modulation were found in AO patients; (3) No somatosensory alterations after implant placement were found in the IMP group; and (4) Somatosensory alterations in the form of reduction in the CPT related to C-fiber activation were reported 3 months after pulpectomy in the IP group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that somatosensory abnormalities were evident in AO and IP patients, and somatosensory alterations were seen in IP patients even 3 months after pulpectomy. However, no somatosensory alterations were seen after implant placement.