Secondary bruxism: A valid diagnosis or just a coincidental finding of additional masticatory muscle activity? A narrative review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Bruxism is defined as a repetitive masticatory muscle activity that can manifest it upon awakening (awake bruxism-AB) or during sleep (sleep bruxism-SB). Some forms of both, AB and SB can be associated to many other coexistent factors, considered of risk for the initiation and maintenance of the bruxism. Although controversial, the term 'secondary bruxism' has frequently been used to label these cases. The absence of an adequate definition of bruxism, the non-distinction between the circadian manifestations and the report of many different measurement techniques, however, are important factors to be considered when judging the literature findings. The use (and abuse) of drugs, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and psychoactive substances, the presence of respiratory disorders during sleep, gastroesophageal reflux disorders and movement, neurological and psychiatric disorders are among these factors. The scarcity of controlled studies and the complexity and interactions among all aforementioned factors, unfortunately, does not allow to establish any causality or temporal association with SB and AB. The supposition that variables are related depends on different parameters, not clearly demonstrated in the available studies. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review aims at providing oral health care professionals with an update on the co-risk factors and disorders possibly associated with bruxism. In addition, the authors discuss the appropriateness of the term 'secondary bruxism' as a valid diagnostic category based on the available evidence. CONCLUSION: The absence of an adequate definition of bruxism, the non-distinction between the circadian manifestations and the report of many different measurement techniques found in many studies preclude any solid and convincing conclusion on the existence of the 'secondary' bruxism.

Experimental pain thresholds and psychosocial features across menstrual cycle in myofascial orofacial pain compared to healthy individuals: cross-sectional study / Limiares de dor experimental e características psicossociais ao longo do ciclo menstrual na dor miofascial orofacial em comparação com indivíduos saudáveis: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hormonal impact on pain perception during the menstrual cycle is a major focus of study, and further elucidation in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) field is necessary. Thus, this cross-sectional study evaluated experimental pain thresholds, psychosocial features, and clinical pain report on TMD women across menstrual cycle versus healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 220 women's clinical files were screened, with 80 selected and divided into control group (healthy individuals, n=40) and TMD group (myofascial pain, n=40). Regarding the menstrual cycle phases, the files were divided into Pre-Luteal and Luteal. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT), Wind-up (WUR), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were analyzed at a 5% significance level, by Two-Way ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: PSS and PCS were significantly different between TMD and control group (p<0.001), regardless of menstrual cycle. Healthy individuals in the Luteal phase presented higher MPT values compared to the other phases (p<0.001). PPT showed significant difference across menstrual phases (p=0.022), but no differences in multiple comparisons. VAS values showed no difference between menstrual cycle phases (p=0.376). CONCLUSION: Finally, healthy individuals in the Luteal phase have higher MPT and PPT values on the orofacial region. Pain report in patients with TMD showed no difference throughout the menstrual cycle, showing that small alterations on experimental pain thresholds may not be clinically relevant. The presence of chronic pain seems to be more related to psychosocial features than hormonal fluctuations.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O impacto do ciclo menstrual na percepção da dor é um foco importante de estudo, sendo necessária uma maior elucidação na disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Assim, este estudo transversal avaliou limiares de dor experimental, características psicossociais e relatos de dor em mulheres com DTM ao longo do ciclo menstrual, comparadas com controles saudáveis. MÉTODOS: 220 prontuários de mulheres foram analisados, sendo 80 selecionados para os grupos de controle (saudáveis, n=40) e DTM (dor miofascial, n=40). Nas fases do ciclo menstrual, as pacientes foram divididas nas categorias Pré-Luteal e Luteal. Os instrumentos Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS), Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos (PCS), Limiar de Dor Mecânica (MPT), Wind-up Ratio (WUR), Limiar de Dor à Pressão (PPT), Modulação Condicionada da Dor (CPM) e Escala analógica visual (EAV) foram analisados com nível de significância de 5%, pelos testes ANOVA de dois fatores e Tukey post hoc. RESULTADOS: As escalas PSS e PCS foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos DTM e controle (p<0,001), independentemente do ciclo menstrual. Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal apresentaram MPT maior em comparação com outras fases (p,0,001). O PPT mostrou diferença significativa entre as fases menstruais (p=0,022), sem diferença nas comparações múltiplas. Os valores da EAV não apresentaram diferença entre as fases menstruais (p=376). CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal têm MPT e PPTl maior na região orofacial. Os relatos de dor em pacientes com DTM não mostraram diferença ao longo do ciclo menstrual, indicando que pequenas alterações nos limiares experimentais podem ser clinicamente relevantes. A presença de dor crônica parece estar mais relacionada com características psicossociais do que com flutuações hormonais.

Insights for temporomandibular disorders management: From psychosocial factors to genetics-A case report.

AIMS: This case report aimed to discuss the multifactorial etiology and also the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by addressing important associated psychosocial and biological factors, emphasizing the interaction between these factors and a probable genetic predisposition. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 21-year-old female patient was evaluated according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD and diagnosed with arthralgia, myofascial pain, disc displacement without reduction, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) degenerative disease. TMJ alterations were confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging and cone-beam computed tomography. Pressure pain threshold of masticatory structures was evaluated using a pressure algometer. Sleep bruxism, poor sleep quality, migraine with aura, mild anxiety, and history of facial trauma were also identified through anamnesis and clinical examination. Following this, genetic analysis was performed to evaluate the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) already associated with TMD: SNP COMT Val158 Met (rs4680), MMP1-1607 (rs1799750), and tumor necrosis factor alpha-308 (rs1800629), which were all present. A personalized treatment for TMD management was performed, and it included self-management programs, occlusal appliance therapy, pharmacotherapy, anxiety management, and stress control. An 8-year follow-up demonstrated long-term stabilization of TMJ degenerative disease. CONCLUSION: Genetic evaluation, added to anamnesis and clinical examination, could be useful for TMD prognosis and management.

Temporomandibular joint morphology does not influence the presence of arthralgia in patients with disk displacement with reduction: a magnetic resonance imaging-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare, by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology between patients with disk displacement with reduction (DDWR) with or without arthralgia and a control group and to identify which factors are associated with the concomitant presence of arthralgia in DDWR patients. STUDY DESIGN: In this investigation, 36 TMJ MRIs were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 12) comprised patients with DDWR and arthralgia; group 2 (n = 12) comprised patients with DDWR without arthralgia; and group 3 (n = 12) was the control group. Disk and mandibular condyle morphologies; articular eminence morphology and inclination; size of the mandibular fossa; joint space size; joint effusion; bone marrow of the mandibular condyle; and the relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: Fisher's exact test and 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences (P > .05) between groups for any variable. Logistic regression analysis showed that no anatomic variables were related to the concomitant presence of arthralgia in patients with DDWR (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: As evaluated on MRI scans, no significant differences in the anatomic characteristics of the TMJ were detected between DDWR patients with or without concomitant arthralgia and the control group. There were no factors associated with the concomitant presence of arthralgia in patients with DDWR.

Is quality of life affected by temporomandibular disorders?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of temporomandibular disorders in quality of life. METHODS: A total of 102 volunteer patients (68 female) aged 19 to 86 years, who sought medical care in health clinics of the university and were evaluated in the period from September to December 2013. The subjects were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, using a mechanical algometer (Palpeter®) with standardized pressure of 0.5 and 1.0kg, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, to assess quality of life. The data were tabulated for statistical analysis and the variables were correlated with the clinical findings of the temporomandibular disorders and quality of life. RESULTS: Fifty percent of patients were positive for temporomandibular disorders and 39.2% classified as myofascial pain group. The temporomandibular disorder group was significantly associated with uncomfortable bite (p=0.0000), temporomandibular joint clicking (p=0.0001) and tooth clenching (p=0.0001). The Mann Whitney test used to analyze the SF-36 revealed that the domains of pain (mean score of 47.80%; p<0.0001) and mental health (62.67%; p<0.05) were strongly associated with temporomandibular disorders. CONCLUSION: The quality of life of individuals with temporomandibular disorders was negatively affected by the presence of pain and mental health disorders.

Is quality of life affected by temporomandibular disorders? / A disfunção temporomandibular afeta a qualidade de vida?

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the impact of temporomandibular disorders in quality of life. Methods A total of 102 volunteer patients (68 female) aged 19 to 86 years, who sought medical care in health clinics of the university and were evaluated in the period from September to December 2013. The subjects were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, using a mechanical algometer (Palpeter®) with standardized pressure of 0.5 and 1.0kg, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, to assess quality of life. The data were tabulated for statistical analysis and the variables were correlated with the clinical findings of the temporomandibular disorders and quality of life. Results Fifty percent of patients were positive for temporomandibular disorders and 39.2% classified as myofascial pain group. The temporomandibular disorder group was significantly associated with uncomfortable bite (p=0.0000), temporomandibular joint clicking (p=0.0001) and tooth clenching (p=0.0001). The Mann Whitney test used to analyze the SF-36 revealed that the domains of pain (mean score of 47.80%; p<0.0001) and mental health (62.67%; p<0.05) were strongly associated with temporomandibular disorders. Conclusion The quality of life of individuals with temporomandibular disorders was negatively affected by the presence of pain and mental health disorders.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar o impacto das disfunções temporomandibulares na qualidade de vida. Métodos Foram incluídos 102 pacientes voluntários (68 mulheres) com idades entre 19 e 86 anos, que buscaram atendimento médico nas clínicas de saúde da universidade e foram avaliados no período de setembro a dezembro de 2013. Os pacientes foram examinados segundo os Critérios Diagnósticos para Pesquisa em Disfunções Temporomandibulares, usando um algômetro mecânico (Palpeter®) com pressão padronizada de 0,5 e 1,0kg e o questionário Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), para avaliação da qualidade de vida. Os dados foram tabulados para análise estatística, e as variáveis foram correlacionadas com os achados clínicos das disfunções temporomandibulares e da qualidade de vida. Resultados Metade dos pacientes foi positiva para disfunções temporomandibulares, sendo 39,2% deles classificados como grupo de dor miofascial. O grupo de disfunções temporomandibulares foi significativamente associado ao desconforto ao morder (p=0,0000), à crepitação da articulação temporomandibular (p=0,0001) e ao apertar dos dentes (p=0,0001). O teste de Mann-Whitney usado para analisar o SF-36 revelou que os domínios da dor (pontuação média de 47,80%; p<0,0001) e saúde mental (62,67%; p<0,05) estavam fortemente associados às disfunções temporomandibulares. Conclusão A qualidade de vida de indivíduos com disfunções temporomandibulares foi afetada negativamente pela presença da dor e de transtornos de saúde mental.

Is aerobic exercise useful to manage chronic pain? / Exercício aeróbico ajuda no tratamento da dor crônica?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies have shown the importance of biopsychosocial strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, to decrease pain in orofacial pain patients. The involvement of pain modulation during aerobic exercise contributes to the use of such modality as part of rehabilitation programs for chronic pain patients. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise may increase the level of several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine and norepinephrine. The reality is that it activates endocannabinoid and endogenous opioid systems, involved in pain modulation. The effect of physical activity on pain perception is often called exercise-induced hypoalgesia. This study aimed at discussing the use of exercise-induced hypoalgesia as part of chronic pain management, including orofacial pain. CONTENTS: Comprehensive search on Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases was carried out using the keywords: physical exercise, aerobic exercise, exercise-induced hypoalgesia, exercise-induced analgesia and orofacial pain/chronic orofacial pain. CONCLUSION: Exercise does not need to be of high-intensity to have an effect on pain management. Although there is evidence that some chronic pain patients may have the capacity to exercise at intensities and durations that appear to be required to elicit exercise-induced hypoalgesia in healthy subjects, the exercise tolerance of other unhealthy populations requires study. Additional research is needed to clarify and expand the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for exercise-induced hypoalgesia and how it can be used in chronic pain conditions such as chronic orofacial pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Vários estudos têm demonstrado a importância de utilização de estratégias biopsicossociais, incluindo terapias farmacológicas e não farmacológicas, para reduzir a dor em pacientes com dor orofacial. O envolvimento da modulação da dor durante o exercício aeróbico contribui para o uso dessa modalidade como parte de programas de reabilitação para pacientes com dor crônica. Estudos demonstram que o exercício aeróbico pode aumentar o nível de vários neurotransmissores tais como serotonina, dopamina, acetilcolina e norepinefrina. A realidade é que ele ativa os sistemas endocanabinóide e opioide endógeno, envolvidos no sistema de modulação de dor. O efeito da atividade física na percepção da dor é comumente denominado hipoalgesia induzida por exercício. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir o uso do fenômeno da hipoalgesia induzida por exercício como parte do tratamento da dor crônica, incluindo a dor orofacial. CONTEÚDO: Pesquisas abrangentes na base de dados Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science e Scopus foram realizadas utilizando as palavras-chave: exercício físico, exercício aeróbico, hipoalgesia induzida por exercício, analgesia induzida por exercício e dor orofacial/dor orofacial crônica. CONCLUSÃO: O exercício não precisa ser de alta intensidade para se obter efeito sobre o controle da dor. Embora alguns estudos comprovem que alguns pacientes com dor crônica tem a capacidade de se exercitarem em intensidades e durações de exercício que induzem a hipoalgesia induzida por exercício, a tolerância ao exercício e seus efeitos em populações de pacientes crônicos ainda exigem mais estudos e investigações para esclarecer e ampliar a compreensão do mecanismo da hipoalgesia induzida por exercício.

Pressure pain threshold and pain perception in temporomandibular disorder patients: is there any correlation? / Limiar de dor à pressão e percepção da dor em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular: existe alguma correlação?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Physical evaluation of temporomandibular disorder patients commonly includes evaluation of pain response to muscular and articular palpation and there is a considerable uncertainty of how self-reported pain intensity relates to Pressure Pain Threshold obtained in an algometry exam. The present study aimed at determining whether pain intensity is associated to Pressure Pain Threshold in temporomandibular disorder patients. METHODS: Eighty arthralgia patients and one hundred and thirty masticatory myofascial pain patients participated in this study. Pain intensity was recorded with visual analog scale. Pressure Pain Threshold was measured using a pressure algometer. Pressure was applied bilaterally on the temporomandibular joint in arthralgia patients and masseter and anterior temporalis muscles. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was calculated to determine the strength of the relationship between pain intensity and the lowest Pressure Pain Threshold value in each site. RESULTS: The correlation between all pain intensity and Pressure Pain Threshold values was statistically weak. Correlations between pain intensity and joint Pressure Pain Threshold (r=- 0.236; p=0.035) in the arthralgia group and pain intensity and masseter’s Pressure Pain Threshold (r=-0.312; p<0.001) and between pain intensity and anterior temporalis Pressure Pain Threshold (r=-0.240; p=0.006) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The weak correlation between pain intensity and Pressure Pain Threshold suggests that other factors are clearly important in explaining the pain experience of temporomandibular disorder patients, including the contribution of central nervous system nociceptive processes and psychological variables to the maintenance of chronic pain. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A avaliação clínica de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular inclui a avaliação da resposta dolorosa à palpação muscular e articular e existe uma incerteza sobre como a intensidade da dor relatada pelo paciente se relaciona com o limiar de dor à pressão obtido com exame de algometria. O presente estudo objetivou determinar se há uma associação entre essas duas variáveis. MÉTODOS: Oitenta pacientes com artralgia e 130 com dor miofascial mastigatória participaram deste estudo. A intensidade de dor foi aferida com a escala visual analógica. O limiar de dor à pressão foi aferido utilizando o algômetro. A pressão foi aplicada bilateralmente na articulação temporomandibular nos pacientes com artralgia e nos músculos masseter e temporal anterior. O teste utilizado na análise estatística foi o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) para determinar a força da correlação entre intensidade de dor e o menor valor de limiar de dor à pressão. RESULTADOS: As correlações entre os valores de intensidade de dor e limiar de dor à pressão foram estatisticamente fracas. As correlações entre intensidade de dor e limiar de dor à pressão na articulação temporomandibular (r=-0,236; p=0,03), no masseter (r=-0,312; p<0,001) e no temporal anterior (r=-0,240; p=0,006) foram estatisticamente significantes. CONCLUSÃO: A baixa correlação entre intensidade de dor e limiar de dor à pressão sugere que outros fatores possam ser claramente importantes para explicar a experiência dolorosa de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular, incluindo a contribuição do processo nociceptivo no sistema nervoso central e as variáveis psicossociais para a manutenção da dor crônica. .

Neuropatia pós-implante / Post-implant neuropathy

Atualmente, a utilização de implantes dentários tem sido considerada o padrão-ouro para reabilitação de arcos parcial ou totalmente edêntulos. Devido aos recursos avançados de exame por imagem, principalmente da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, esses procedimentos apresentam altas taxas de sucesso; no entanto, algumas complicações trans- e pós-cirúrgicas ainda são passíveis de ocorrer, sendo uma delas a neuropatia pós-implante. A neuropatia pós-implante se trata de uma neuropatia traumática orofacial secundária a traumas diretos ou indiretos aos nervos da face, sendo os nervos alveolar inferior e lingual os mais acometidos. Essa condição pode apresentar diferentes formas clínicas, sendo elas a anestesia, parestesia, hipoestesia, hiperestesia e/ou disestesia. Por se tratar de uma complicação pouco frequente, porém de alto impacto social para o paciente e de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento, o presente artigo tem como objetivo, por meio de uma revisão de literatura dos estudos mais relevantes na área, esclarecer o que é a neuropatia pós-implante, como ela pode ser desencadeada, bem como as melhores formas de diagnóstico e tratamento.

Nowadays, the use of dental implants in partial or total edentulous arch is considered the gold standard in oral rehabilitation. This procedure has high success rates mainly due to the advanced features of radiograph exams like the cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). However, some intra- and post-operative complication may occur. One of the possible complications is post implant neuropathy (PIN). PIN is a traumatic trigeminal neuropathy that can be due to direct or indirect nerve trauma. The most affected nerves are inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve. This condition can be clinically reported as anesthesia, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia and/or dysesthesia. PIN is not a frequent condition but has a major impact on everyday social life and it is a very difficult pathology to diagnose and to treat. Based on that, the aim of this article is to review the most relevant studies in the field and to clarify what is PIN and what are the possible causes of it. As well as identify the best diagnostic and treatment approach.

The influence of myofascial temporomandibular disorder pain on the pressure pain threshold of women during a migraine attack.

AIMS: To assess the influence of myofascial temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of masticatory muscles in women during a migraine attack. METHODS: The sample comprised 34 women, 18 to 60 years of age, with a diagnosis of episodic migraine previously confirmed by a neurologist. All subjects were evaluated using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) to determine the presence of myofascial pain. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 18) included women with migraine; group 2 (n = 16) included women with migraine and myofascial TMD pain. Participants were evaluated by measuring PPT values of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles and Achilles tendon with a pressure algometer at two moments: pain free and during a migraine attack. A three-way analysis of variance with a 5% significance level was used for statistical purposes. RESULTS: Significantly lower PPT values were found during the migraine attack, especially for women with concomitant myofascial pain, regardless of the side of the reported pain. CONCLUSION: Migraine attack is associated with a significant reduction in PPT values of masticatory muscles, which appears to be influenced by the presence of myofascial TMD pain.

Bilateral asymptomatic fibrous-ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

The American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) defines ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a restriction of movements due to intracapsular fibrous adhesions, fibrous changes in capsular ligaments (fibrous-ankylosis) and osseous mass formation resulting in the fusion of the articular components (osseous-ankylosis). The clinical features of the fibrous-ankylosis are severely limited mouth-opening capacity (limited range of motion during the opening), usually no pain and no joint sounds, marked deflection to the affected side and marked limitation of movement to the contralateral side. A variety of factors may cause TMJ ankylosis, such as trauma, local and systemic inflammatory conditions, neoplasms and TMJ infection. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the systemic inflammatory conditions that affect the TMJ and can cause ankylosis. The aim of this study is to present a case of a female patient diagnosed with bilateral asymptomatic fibrous-ankylosis of the TMJ associated with asymptomatic rheumatoid arthritis. This case illustrates the importance of a comprehensive clinical examination and correct diagnosis of an unusual condition causing severe mouth opening limitation.

Orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders: the impact on oral health and quality of life.

Many conditions may cause painful symptoms in orofacial structures. Among the chronic conditions that affect this area, temporomandibular disorders are the most common. Temporomandibular Disorder is a collective term that includes a number of clinical complaints involving the masticatory muscles, the Temporomandibular Joint and associated structures. In some cases, these complaints can be associated with depression, catastrophizing behavior and impact on quality of life. The present study aims to explain the relationship between Temporomandibular Disorders and pain chronification and their relation to a variety of psychosocial and behavioral comorbid conditions. The mechanisms of pain conduction and suggestions for management are also addressed.

Orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders: the impact on oral health and quality of life

Many conditions may cause painful symptoms in orofacial structures. Among the chronic conditions that affect this area, temporomandibular disorders are the most common. Temporomandibular Disorder is a collective term that includes a number of clinical complaints involving the masticatory muscles, the Temporomandibular Joint and associated structures. In some cases, these complaints can be associated with depression, catastrophizing behavior and impact on quality of life. The present study aims to explain the relationship between Temporomandibular Disorders and pain chronification and their relation to a variety of psychosocial and behavioral comorbid conditions. The mechanisms of pain conduction and suggestions for management are also addressed.

Bilateral asymptomatic fibrous-ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

The American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) defines ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a restriction of movements due to intracapsular fibrous adhesions, fibrous changes in capsular ligaments (fibrous-ankylosis) and osseous mass formation resulting in the fusion of the articular components (osseous-ankylosis). The clinical features of the fibrous-ankylosis are severely limited mouth-opening capacity (limited range of motion during the opening), usually no pain and no joint sounds, marked deflection to the affected side and marked limitation of movement to the contralateral side. A variety of factors may cause TMJ ankylosis, such as trauma, local and systemic inflammatory conditions, neoplasms and TMJ infection. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the systemic inflammatory conditions that affect the TMJ and can cause ankylosis. The aim of this study is to present a case of a female patient diagnosed with bilateral asymptomatic fibrous-ankylosis of the TMJ associated with asymptomatic rheumatoid arthritis. This case illustrates the importance of a comprehensive clinical examination and correct diagnosis of an unusual condition causing severe mouth opening limitation.

A Academia Americana de Dor Orofacial (AAOP) define anquilose da Articulação Temporomandibular (ATM) como restrição dos movimentos devido à adesão fibrosa intracapsular, alterações fibrosas nos ligamentos capsulares (fibroanquilose) e formação de massa óssea resultando na fusão dos componentes articulares (anquilose óssea). As características clínicas da Fibroanquilose são: capacidade severamente limitada de abertura bucal geralmente sem dor e sem ruídos articulares, com marcada deflexão para o lado afetado e marcada limitação de movimentos para o lado contralateral. Uma variedade de fatores pode causar anquilose da ATM, como trauma, condições inflamatórias locais e/ou sistêmicas, neoplasias e infecção na ATM. A artrite reumatóide (AR) é uma dessas condições sistêmicas inflamatórias que pode afetar a ATM e causar anquilose. O objetivo desse estudo é apresentar um caso de uma paciente, diagnosticada com Fibroanquilose da ATM bilateral e assintomática associada à AR. Esse caso ilustra a importância de um exame clínico bem realizado com exames complementares pode levar a um diagnóstico correto de Fibroanquilose da ATM e da importância do diagnóstico diferencial em casos de abertura bucal restrita.

Determinação do Limiar de Dor à Pressão (LDP) da Articulação Temporomandibular (ATM) ideal para determinação diagnóstica de artralgia: um estudo baseado em algometria e ressonância magnética / Determination of the proper Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) for the diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) arthralgia: a magnetic ressonance and algometer - based study

A Articulação Temporomandibular (ATM) pode ser acometida por inúmeros distúrbios articulares sendo os mais comuns os distúrbios de desarranjo do disco e os distúrbios inflamatórios. Um sinal clínico importante nesses casos é a sensibilidade dolorosa à palpação digital ou por mensuração do Limiar de Dor à Pressão (LDP), determinado com o uso de um instrumento denominado algômetro. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de determinar qual o valor de LDP que melhor diferencie ATMs saudáveis daquelas acometidas por distúrbios inflamatórios e dolorosos. Ainda propõem-se a determinar se há diferenças entre o LDP de ATMs saudáveis e ATMs com deslocamento de disco com redução (DDCR) assintomáticos. Para isso, foi utilizada uma amostra de 60 indivíduos de ambos os gêneros com idade entre 18 e 50 anos, avaliados pelos critérios do Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) e divididos em três grupos: 20 indivíduos com diagnóstico clínico de artralgia da ATM (com ou sem deslocamento de disco para anterior, 20 indivíduos com diagnóstico clínico de DDCR (assintomáticos) e 20 indivíduos sem dores ou ruídos na ATM (grupo controle). Toda a amostra foi submetida a exame de ressonância magnética para análise da posição do disco para confirmar o exame físico e validar os critérios de inclusão (RDC/TMD) para formação dos grupos. Foram realizados exames de algometria sobre o pólo lateral das ATMs, e obtidas Escalas de Análise Visual (EAV) para o grupo de artralgia. Os dados foram analisados por teste de análise de variância (ANOVA a um critério) e por teste de correlação de Pearson com 5% de significância. Níveis de especificidade e sensibilidade, sendo gerada curva ROC foram também determinados. O valores de LDP foram significantemente menores para o grupo com artralgia (média de 1,07 kgf/cm2 ± 0,445), quando comparados aos outros grupos. Ainda, o grupo com DDCR (média de 1,90 kgf/cm2 ± 0,647) apresentou menores valores quando...

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) internal derangements are characterized by anterior disk displacement (ADD) and/or as arthralgias. An important clinical presentation in these cases is the painful tenderness to manual palpation or decreased Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), determined with an algometer. The present study aims to determine, based on high specificity levels, the more appropriate PPT value to discriminate healthy TMJs from those with painful inflammatory processes as well as to determine the influence of asymptomatic disk displacement with reduction (DDWR) in this scenario. A sample of 60 individuals from both genders with age between 18 and 50 years were evaluated by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and divided into three groups: 20 patients with clinical diagnosis of TMJ arthralgia, 20 patients with clinical diagnosis of asymptomatic DDWR and 20 individuals with no TMJ pain or noise (control group). All individuals were submitted to an exam of magnetic resonance imaging for the analysis of disk position to confirm the physical exam (RDC/TMD) and to validate the group distribution. An algometry exam was performed on the TMJ lateral pole and the individuals of the arthralgia group also filled out a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The data were analyzed by variance test (ANOVA) and by Pearson correlation test with 5% of significance. Levels of specificity and sensibility, and ROC curves were also determined. The arthralgia group presented significant lower PPT (mean of 1.07 kgf/cm2 ± 0.445) values than the others. DDWR group (mean of 1.90 kgf/cm2 ± 0.647) has shown significant lower PPT values when compared to the control group (mean of 2.46 kgf/cm2 ± 0.593). A significant correlation between the PPT and the VAS and the time of pain experience was not found. 100% of specificity and 90% of sensitivity were obtained when 1.56 kgf/cm2 was applied to the TMJ (ROC=0.99). This value was considered to be the most...

Dor orofacial odontogênica e a importância do diagnóstico diferencial: relato de caso / Odontogenic orofacial pain and the importance of differential diagnosis: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O tratamento do paciente com dor facial deve ser multidisciplinar e o diagnóstico deve ser feito com bastante cautela. Os profissionais envolvidos devem considerar todas as doenças que podem acometer a região facial, para não sub ou sobre tratar o paciente.RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 46 anos, com queixa principal de dor no lado direito da face, na região de molares inferiores e pré-molar superior. A dor relatada era de grande intensidade, descrita com intensidade "8", numa escala de "0" a "10", diária e contínua. Após ser avaliada por dois Cirurgiões-Dentistas e um Otorrinolaringologista, a paciente buscou atendimento na Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru. Após anamnese detalhada, e exame extraoral, incluindo da musculatura mastigatória e articulação temporomandibular (ATM), não foram encontrados sinais de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). No exame intraoral foram encontradas restaurações dentárias extensas com infiltração nos dentes 46 e 47, possivelmente relacionando-se com a queixa principal da paciente. Radiografias periapicais detectaram imagens compatíveis com a presença de cáries nos dentes 14, 46 e 47. Após a restauração dos dentes envolvidos, obteve-se remissão total dos sintomas.CONCLUSÃO: No presente caso, houve necessidade de excluir-se, independentemente do profissional envolvido no processo, dor de origem dentária como causa de dor orofacial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Management of facial pain patients should be multidisciplinary and diagnosis should be very careful. Professionals involved should consider all diseases which may affect face in order not to under or over treat patients.CASE REPORT: Female patient, 46 years old, with primary complaint of pain on right face side, at the region of lower molars and upper pre-molar teeth. Pain was reported as severe, daily and continuous, and was described as intensity "8", on a scale from "0" to "10". After being evaluated by two dentists and one ENT specialist, patient looked for treatment at the Dentistry School of the city of Bauru. After a detailed history and extraoral evaluation including masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), no signs of temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction were found. Intraoral evaluation showed extensive dental restorations with infiltrations in teeth 46 and 47, possibly related to patient?s primary complaint. Periapical X-rays showed images compatible with the presence of decays in teeth 14, 46 and 47. After restoration of such teeth, there has been total remission of symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this case, regardless of the professional involved in the process, there has been the need to exclude dental-related pain as the cause of orofacial pain.