[Clinical efficiency of occlusive splints in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction complicated by bruxism]. / Klinicheskaya effektivnost' okklyuzionnykh shin v lechenii patsientov s disfunktsiei visochno-nizhnechelyustnogo sustava, oslozhnennoi bruksizmom.

OBJECTIVE: Improving the effectiveness of treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction complicated by bruxism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 70 patients with signs of parafunction of the masticatory muscles were selected for the clinical study. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 35 people. Splints were made for patients from the groups using 2 different 3D printing methods. The treatment was monitored using clinical and instrumental studies, electromyography of the muscles themselves and computed tomography of the TMJ after 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The severity of hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles decreased by the end of 3 months of treatment with the help of repositioning occlusal splints. After 6 months of treatment, the mean BEA decreased in both study groups, but to a lesser extent than in the first 3 months. After wearing a splint after 12 months, the decrease in muscle tone was insignificant. CONCLUSION: The clinical use of positioning splints plays a crucial role in the stabilization of occlusion and is a mandatory stage of complex treatment of patients with pathology of the occlusal-musculoskeletal complex.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of headaches in people with temporomandibular joint disorders: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Headaches (HAs) and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) are common comorbidities, and the presence of one of them in a patient increases the incidence of the other. The relationship between these 2 conditions may involve common pathophysiological processes. Considering the topicality of the problem, it is justified to conduct research in this field. In this study, we assessed HA type and severity in people with TMD. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to conduct qualitative and quantitative assessments of HAs in people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 51 subjects of both sexes with a TMD diagnosed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) test. A self-report questionnaire was utilized to self-assess the presence of TMD symptoms, while the standardized Short-Form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire was used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess HAs. RESULTS: People with TMD were significantly more likely to report HA occurrences (p < 0.001). Pain intensity was statistically significantly higher among individuals with TMD compared to those without TMD symptoms (p < 0.001). Most often, the HA was associated with a pressing pain (r = 0.82) and least often, it was described as cutting (r = 0.30). Neck and shoulder girdle pain (p = 0.059; 82.9%) and clenching and/or grinding of teeth (p = 0.021; 92.7%) were significantly more common among patients who declared HAs than among those without HAs. The results obtained so far may indicate a significant relationship between HA and TMD. CONCLUSION: We have described the relationship between the occurrence of HAs and TMD. Headaches are more frequent and more severe in people with TMD.

Evaluation of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in traumatic brain injury patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and related factors in patients with traumatic brain injury. METHODS: A total of 60 participants, 30 patients with traumatic brain injury and 30 healthy volunteers of similar age, have been included in this study, which was designed as a hospital-based cross sectional study. Fonseca questionnaire was used to evaluate and classify the temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint range of motion was evaluated with a digital calliper, and masticatory muscles pressure pain threshold was evaluated with an algometer. Labial commissure angle measurement was used to evaluate the severity of facial paralysis. Complications related to traumatic brain injury were recorded in patients with traumatic brain injury. RESULTS: According to Fonseca questionnaire score, 80% of traumatic brain injury patients and 16.7% of the control group had temporomandibular dysfunction (p < .001). In the intergroup comparison, a significant decrease was found in all temporomandibular range of motion and masticatory muscles pressure pain threshold parameters in favour of the traumatic brain injury group (p < .001). Labial commissure angle and Fonseca questionnaire scores were higher in the traumatic brain injury group (p < .001). The frequency of temporomandibular dysfunction was more common in traumatic brain injury patients with headache than in those without headache, as shown by the results of the Fonseca questionnaire (p = .044). CONCLUSION: Compared to healthy controls, patients with traumatic brain injury experienced issues with the temporomandibular joint more frequently. Additionally, TBI patients with headaches had a greater frequency of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Therefore, it is advised to check for temporomandibular joint dysfunction in traumatic brain injury patients during follow-up. In addition, the presence of headache in traumatic brain injury patients may be a stimulant for temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Psoriatic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition brought on by the immune system. This study aimed to perform a systematic review related to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). METHODS: The search strategy was developed by a radiologist expert with more than 20 years of experience. The search was performed without time restrictions in five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Ovid. The search strategy was based on MeSH and Emtree terms. The methodological quality of the studies was rated using the quality assessment tools from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). RESULTS: Twenty-three publications were included, 10 being case reports. One hundred-fifty-one patients with TMJ PsA were reported. Psoriasis evolution ranged from 1.5 years to 24 years. Clinical symptoms of TMJ involvement included: TMJ pain and sounds, limited range of jaw movements, preauricular swelling, malocclusion, headache, tinnitus, neck stiffness and altered dietary function. TMJ was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (six studies), computed tomography (eight articles) and by ultrasonography findings (two articles). For TMJ treatment, topical and systemic medication was reported in 11 studies. Five studies included patients needing surgical procedures for TMJ ankylosis. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between TMD and psoriasis has been revealed. TMJ PsA has been investigated and debated, although the radiographic findings or clinical symptoms of PsA are not noticeably different from other forms of TMJ arthritis. Conservative therapy can lead to significant improvement of TMJ function.

[Psychoneurological and degenerative-dystrophic disorders in patients with pathology of the temporomandibular joint]. / Psikhonevrologicheskie i degenerativno-distroficheskie narusheniya u patsientov s disfunktsional'nym sindromom visochno-nizhnechelyustnogo sustava.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to detail neuropsychiatric and degenerative-dystrophic disorders in patients with dysfunctional TMJ syndrome and develop principles for their correction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 84 patients with complaints of impaired TMJ function were examined: 14 men (16.67%) and 70 women (83.33%) aged 18 to 74 years. The average age of the patients was 63.22±18.82 years. The analysis of the dental status was carried out, the state of the musculoskeletal system and somatic status in patients with dysfunctional TMJ syndrome was studied. Methods of diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction syndrome were used to assess the state of neuropsychiatric status. Occlusive disorders were evaluated in relation to the peculiarities of maintaining posture and autonomic joint dysfunction. RESULTS: Occlusive disorders were assessed in relation to the peculiarities of posture maintenance and autonomic dysfunction of the joint. Pathology of the temporomandibular region was accompanied by psychovegetative disorders in 80% of patients. At the same time, autonomic dysfunction was diagnosed with pathological changes in the autonomic index, the formation of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The adequacy of rehabilitation measures was associated with the preparation of rehabilitation programs, considering the severity of dental pathology, the state of the somatic and emotional-volitional spheres. Elimination of musculo-articular dysfunctions and pain syndrome was of leading importance in the rehabilitation of patients.

Comparison of the Effects of Myotherapy in Patients with Myofascial Pain with and without Self-Reported Sleep Bruxism Using The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the effects of myotherapy using sublingual relaxation splints and stretching exercises in 110 patients with myofascial pain with and without self-reported sleep bruxism using The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I Questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 110 patients with myofascial pain. The diagnosis was based on the RDC/TMD questionnaire. The number of painful muscle sites (PMS) and the range of maximum mouth opening (MMO) were assessed 2 times - at the first visit and after 3 months. Then, the influence of possible bruxism on the treatment was assessed. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 26.8 years (SD 5.4); 89% of the subjects were women; and 60.9% of the patients reported bruxism. Each patient was instructed to perform muscle stretching at the first visit and after 1 week all patients received a sublingual relaxation splint. The number of PMS decreased and the range of MMO increased in both groups after a period of 3 months of treatment (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the obtained treatment effects between the patients with and without possible bruxism. CONCLUSIONS This study evaluated the effectiveness of the sublingual relaxation splint and stretching exercises in patients with myofascial pain. Patients at a single center in Poland who reported myofascial pain that was not associated with self-reported sleep bruxism had a significantly better response to myotherapy when compared to patients with self-reported sleep bruxism.

[On the role of psychological disorders in the development of the syndrome of pain dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint]. / O roli psikhologicheskikh faktorov v razvitii sindroma bolevoi disfunktsii visochno-nizhnechelyustnogo sustava.

There are significant disagreements related to the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of the syndrome of pain dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. This review article examines the role of patient's psychological status as a significant factor influencing the occurrence and complications of this pathology, as evidenced by an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with the dysfunction. The need for a multidisciplinary and individual approach to the diagnosis and treatment is also discussed, which can significantly alleviate the severity of the disease, reduce complications, and shorten the rehabilitation time.

[Clinical assessment of the effectiveness of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome]. / Opyt klinicheskogo primeneniya botulinicheskogo toksina tipa A v algoritme lecheniya patsientov s sindromom bolevoi disfunktsii visochno-nizhnechelyustnogo sustava.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Assessment of the effectiveness of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In accordance with the diagnostic and treatment guidelines for TMJPDS, 20 patients with TMJPDS with pronounced pain on palpation of the chewing muscles, discoordination of the chewing muscles according to the EMG, and degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint according to the MRI were examined. The patients had no contraindications to the use of botulinum toxin. Exclusion criteria: 1) age under 21 years, 2) somatic pathology, 3) refusal of the steps of the proposed diagnostic and treatment algorithm. Methods used: clinical, psychometric (visual analogue scale (VAS) - for pain assessment), X-ray, electromyographic and statistical methods. RESULTS: An objective reduction in the tone of the chewing muscles was observed after treatment In both groups. However, 30 days after the injection of BtA the IMPACT indicator in the first group was reduced by 403.5 µV or more (38.5%, p<0.05), while in the second group it decreased by 201.5 µV or more (25%, p<0.05). A correlation was identified between the VAS index (mean 7 points, severe pain level) and IMPACT (p<0.05). The onset of a significant pain reduction was observed one week after BtA injection, the most pronounced effect was achieved after 2 weeks and lasted for about 3 months. CONCLUSION: The use of BtA as part of the temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome treatment algorithm contributes to the creation of a «therapeutic window¼ for comprehensive rehabilitation of patients in this group. It increases the efficacy of the conducted treatment and contributes to a significant prolongation of the TMJPDS remission.

Correlation of somatization, depression, and chronic pain with clinical findings of the temporomandibular disorders in asymptomatic women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate degree of depression, somatization, and chronic pain in asymptomatic women with clinical findings, using Research Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD). Methods: A total of 200 female participants, ages 18-65, filled out a standard RDC/TMD axis II form for the assessment of chronic pain, disability, depression, and non-specific physical symptoms and underwent clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint. Correlation of clinical findings (axis I) and axis II assessment was performed using Spearman's correlation test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: There was a significant correlation between depression scores (p < 0.04), chronic pain (p < 0.001), and non-specific physical symptoms without questions about pain (p = 0.008). Discussion: The highest scores on the Graded Chronic Pain Scale were observed in patients with arthralgia, while patients with myofascial pain scored higher on depression and somatization tests.

[Myofascial pain syndrome in the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint]. / Miofastsial'nyi bolevoi sindrom pri disfunktsii visochno-nizhnecheliustnogo sustava.

AIM: Selection of the clinical characteristics of pain syndrome in the orofacial region in temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome (TMJ PDS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and two patients with TMJ PDS were examined using the Verbal Descriptive Pain Rating Scale of the orofacial area. The Clinical Index of TMJ dysfunction (CID) by Helkimo M. was used for objectification of the level of musculo-tonic disorders in the area of the chewing muscles. The psychopathological status of patients with TMJ PDS was assessed with HRDS and SCL-90-R. RESULTS: A significant proportion of patients with TMJ PDS, in addition to algic symptoms, have hypertonus of the facial muscles, the nature and severity of which require not only a special diagnostic assessment, but also follow-up treatment. The analysis of data allowed us to identify three clinical groups of patients: with isolated (muscular-tonic), neurological symptoms; with mixed (combination of muscular-tonic and somatoform manifestations) neurological and psychopathological symptoms and with somatoform symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patients with TMJ PDS are clinically heterogeneous and require clinical differentiation, distinguishing the common group of patients with muscular dysfunction accompanied by pain and emotional response to it (anxiety and minor depressive symptoms) and the group of patients with a somatoform disorder (and manifestations as general anxiety).

Chronic insomnia remitting after maxillomandibular advancement for mild obstructive sleep apnea: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are both common sleep disorders. Chronic insomnia is thought to result from stress-related physiologic hyperarousal (somatic arousal) that makes it difficult for an individual to fall or stay asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is thought to result from obstructive respiratory events causing arousals, sleep fragmentation, and recurrent oxygen desaturation. Although the two disorders seem different, they predispose to the same long-term, stress-related illnesses, and when they occur in the same individual, each affects the other's response to treatment; they interact. This report of three cases describes patients with both chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea in whom the chronic insomnia remitted with no specific treatment following treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with maxillomandibular advancement. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Our three Caucasians patients each presented with severe, chronic insomnia associated with somatic arousal and fatigue occurring either alone, in association with bipolar disorder, or with temporomandibular joint syndrome. Polysomnography revealed that each patient also had mild obstructive sleep apnea, despite only one snoring audibly. One patient experienced a modest improvement in her somatic arousal, insomnia severity, and fatigue with autotitrating nasal continuous positive airway pressure, but the other two did not tolerate nasal continuous positive airway pressure. None of the patients received treatment for insomnia. All three patients subsequently underwent maxillomandibular advancement to treat mild obstructive sleep apnea and experienced prolonged, complete resolution of somatic arousal, chronic insomnia, and fatigue. The patient with bipolar disorder also experienced complete remission of his symptoms of depression during the 1 year he was followed postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: These three cases lend support to the hypothesis that chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea share a pathophysiology of chronic stress. Among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the stress response is directed at inspiratory airflow limitation during sleep (hypopnea, snoring, and inaudible fluttering of the throat). Therefore, when chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea occur in one individual, aggressive treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may lead to a reduction in chronic stress that causes the patient's chronic insomnia to remit.

Severidade da disfunção temporomandibular e sua relação com a postura corporal / Gravedad de la disfunción temporomandibular y su relación con la postura corporal / Severity of temporomandibular dysfunction and its relationship with body posture

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar se existe correlação entre a severidade da disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) e postura corporal, bem como evidenciar as diferenças existentes na postura corporal nos diferentes graus de severidade. Foram avaliadas 71 mulheres de 18 a 35 anos quanto à severidade da DTM e à postura corporal, sendo divididas em grupo sem DTM e grupo com DTM. Foram utilizados o questionário Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire e o software Digital Image-Based Postural Assessment de avaliação postural por fotogrametria. Foi realizada análise estatística com ANOVA de um fator e teste de correlação Tau B de Kendall (α<0,05). Os grupos com e sem DTM apresentaram diferenças estatísticas, com tamanho de efeito grande (ŋ2>0,528), para: lordose cervical, pulsão e inclinação da pelve. Quanto à correlação da postura com a severidade da DTM, índices fracos, mas significativos, foram encontrados: ângulo da lordose cervical (τ=0,250), ângulo da cifose dorsal (τ=0,192), ângulo de inclinação pélvica (τ=−0,222) e medida de pulsão da pelve (τ=0,283). Esses resultados indicam que a lordose cervical e a pulsão da pelve se apresentam em aumento da lordose e da pulsão conforme o acréscimo da severidade da DTM, enquanto o ângulo de inclinação se apresenta em menor grau, tendendo à retroversão. Apesar das correlações fracas, os resultados evidenciam alguma relação da postura corporal com a DTM.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar si existe una correlación entre la gravedad de la disfunción temporomandibular (DTM) y la postura corporal, así como mostrar las diferencias en la postura corporal en diferentes grados de gravedad. Se evaluó la la postura corporal de 71 mujeres de 18 a 35 años, divididas en dos grupos: sin DTM y con DTM. Se utilizó el cuestionario Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire y el software Digital Image-Based Postural Assessment de evaluación postural por fotogrametría. Se realizó análisis estadístico con Anova de un factor y prueba de correlación Tau B de Kendall (α<0,05). Los grupos con y sin DTM presentaron diferencias estadísticas, con tamaño de efecto grande (ŋ2>0,528) para: lordosis cervical, pulsión e inclinación de la pelvis. En cuanto a la correlación de la postura con la gravedad de la DTM, índices débiles pero significativos fueron encontrados: ángulo de la lordosis cervical (τ=0,250), ángulo de la cifosis dorsal (τ=0,192), ángulo de inclinación pélvica (τ=−0,222) y medida de pulsión de la pelvis (τ=0,283). Estos resultados indican que la lordosis cervical y la pulsión de la pelvis aumentan según la gravedad de la DTM, mientras que el ángulo de inclinación se presenta en menor grado, tendiendo a la retroversión. A pesar de las correlaciones débiles, los resultados evidencian cierta relación de la postura corporal con la DTM.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify if there is a correlation between temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) severity and body posture, as well as to show the differences in body posture in different degrees of severity. Seventy-one women aged 18-35 years were assessed for TMD severity and body posture and were divided into: Group without TMD and Group with TMD. We used the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire and the Digital Image-Based Postural Assessment software for postural evaluation by photogrammetry. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA and Kendall's Tau B correlation test (α<0.05). The groups with and without TMD presented statistical differences, with large effect size (ŋ2>0.528), for: cervical lordosis, drive and pelvic tilt. Regarding the correlation of posture with TMD severity, weak but significant indexes were found: cervical lordosis angle (τ=0.250), dorsal kyphosis angle (τ=0.192), pelvic tilt angle (τ=−0.222) and pelvic drive measurement (τ=0.283). These results indicate that cervical lordosis and pelvic drive are increased according to the severity of the TMD, while the pelvic tilt angle decreases, tending to a retroversion. Despite the weak correlations, the results show some relationship between body posture and TMD.

Relación entre el Síndrome de clase II división 2 y la disfunción temporomandibular. Artículo de revisión / Relation between the Syndrome type II division 2 malocclusions and the temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Review article

Introducción: Los pacientes con el Síndrome de clase II división 2, además de presentar clínicamente una relación de molares y caninos en disto-oclusión, muestran una retroinclinación de los incisivos centrales superiores con proinclinación de los laterales y sobremordida profunda, lo cual puede llegar a convertirse en un factor de riesgo que provoca disfunción temporomandibular. Objetivo: Identificar la relación entre el Síndrome de clase II división 2 y la disfunción temporomandibular. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica automatizada en las bases de datos de los sistemas MEDLINE, PubMed, Hinari y Google; se utilizó un total de 17 artículos. Desarrollo: Por las características clínicas de la oclusión en los pacientes con este síndrome, el rango de movimiento mandibular está limitado, y produce un efecto traumático que se relaciona con una posición de los cóndilos desplazados hacia atrás e intruidos en la fosa glenoidea. Este desplazamiento más distal produce la presión del espacio retrodiscal ricamente inervado y sería causa de inflamación de los tejidos circundantes y afectación de la función de la articulación por elongación de los ligamentos discales o adelgazamiento del disco que afecta el complejo cóndilo-disco. Conclusiones: Los estudios consultados muestran la relación entre el Síndrome de clase II división 2 y la disfunción temporomandibular, dada las características clínicas presentes en este síndrome, que afectan el funcionamiento de la articulación temporomandibular y que al sobrepasar las capacidades adaptativas del paciente producen la disfunción en la misma(AU)

Introduction: Patients with Syndrome type II division 2 malocclusions, besides presenting a clinically established relationship between molars and canines in a distal occlusion, show a retro-inclination of the upper front teeth with pro-inclination of the lateral incisors and a deep overbite, which can result in a risk factor of temporomandibular dysfunction. Objective: To identify the relationship between Syndrome type II division 2 malocclusions and the temporomandibular dysfunction. Material and Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out through a search of databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Hinari, and Scholar Google. A total of 17 articles were used. Development: Because of the clinical characteristics of the occlusion in the patients with this syndrome, the range of jaw movement is limited, producing a traumatic effect that is related with a position of the condyles displaced backward and with glenoid fossa intrusion. This more distal displacement produces the pressure of the richly innervated retrodiscal tissue, which could be the cause of inflammation of the surrounding tissues and the affectation of the joint function due to an elongation of the discal ligaments or a thinning of the disc affecting the disc-condyle complex. Conclusions: The studies conducted demonstrate the relationship between the Syndrome type II division 2 and the temporomandibular joint dysfunction, given the clinical characteristics that are present in this syndrome, which affect the functioning of the temporomandibular joint, and produce its dysfunction when exceeding the adaptive capacities of the patient(AU)

Ultrasonographic evaluation of masseter muscle thickness in patients with disk displacement with reduction.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to ultrasonographically assess the masseter muscle thicknesses of individuals with disk displacement with reduction. METHODS: The thickness of the masseter muscle in 100 patients (28 male, 72 female; average age 34 years) who presented with one-sided temporomandibular joint pain and a clicking sound and were diagnosed with disk displacement with reduction was measured in relaxation and at maximum contraction using ultrasonography. RESULTS: In the contracted position, the difference in the masseter muscle thickness between the healthy side and the side with disk displacement with reduction was statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two sides in the relaxed position. CONCLUSIONS: Obvious ultrasonographic changes of the masseter muscle were found in patients with temporomandibular disk displacement with reduction, and these changes might be related to unilateral chewing. Individuals with anterior disc displacement probably chew unilaterally because of pain and clicking.

Nondental orofacial pain in dental practices - diagnosis, therapy and self-assessment of German dentists and dental students.

BACKGROUND: Patients with non-dental orofacial pain syndromes will often primarily consult general dentists and other dental specialists. Early and correct diagnosis and therapy is crucial to prevent chronification. METHODS: We assessed the experience of dentists (general dentists and dental specialists; n = 533) and knowledge level of dental students (n = 130) on the diagnosis and treatment of non-dental orofacial pain. We used an anonymized survey containing 14 items with the four main themes (1) prescription patterns, (2) treatment strategies in non-dental orofacial pain, (3) interdisciplinary cooperation, and (4) self-assessment of knowledge as well as post-graduate education. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of dental students stated that they feel either 'not at all' (56%) or only 'somewhat' (36%) prepared for the diagnosis or treatment of non-dental orofacial pain. Only 23% of the dentists reported 'good' or 'very good' confidence for the diagnosis of non-dental orofacial pain. NSAID were the analgesics of choice when the pain is unspecific (25%) or even neuralgic (10%). Dentists referred patients with non-dental orofacial pain mostly to ENT-physicians (59%), oral and maxillofacial surgeons (54%) or TMD specialists (51%). CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary pain treatment seems to be well acknowledged, however, with a focus on referral within the community of dental specialists. Dental curricula and post-graduate trainings need to implement the diagnosis and treatment options of non-dental orofacial pain.

Evaluation of C-Reactive Protein Level in Patients with Pain Form of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a functional disorder concerned with the abnormal functioning of the muscles of the stomatognathic system and temporomandibular joints involved in the dynamic movements of the jaw and surrounding structures. The aim of the study was to compare the level of C-reactive protein in patients with pain and painless forms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 72 patients who reported to the prosthetic treatment because of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The study group included 36 patients with pain form of dysfunction, and the control group included 36 patients with painless form of disorder. Each patient underwent specialized examination of functional disorders in order to diagnose the type of dysfunction and was commissioned to carry out a study of the blood test concerned with evaluation of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level in the same analytical laboratory. The results of the investigation were subjected to statistical analysis. The research obtained approval from the Ethics Committee of the Jagiellonian University (KBET/125/L/2013). Level of Evidence for primary research was established as type V. Results. The mean values of C-reactive protein levels in both groups were in the normal range and did not differ statistically significantly, which indicates the fact that the pain form of the temporomandibular joint disorders is not associated with inflammation of the soft tissues of the joint. Conclusion. Painful form of the temporomandibular joint dysfunctions is not connected with the inflammation of joints.

Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction in Patients with Stroke.

GOAL: The aim of this study was to assess temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients with stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 100 participants, 50 healthy and 50 who had stroke, were recruited into this study. Digital caliper and algometer were used to assess temporomandibular joint range of motion and masticatory muscle pressure pain threshold. Labial commissure angle measurement was used for the assessment of facial paralysis severity. Fonseca questionnaire was used for temporomandibular joint dysfunction assessment and categorization. In addition, dominant mastication shift was measured by the question that asks the pre and poststroke dominant mastication side. FINDINGS: In intergroup comparison, significant decrease was found in all temporomandibular range of motion parameters in favor of stroke group (P < .05). Despite the fact that no significant difference was found between groups for the pain threshold in masticatory muscles except for middle part of the left temporalis muscle, values were higher in healthy group (P > .05). As a result of intergroup examination of labial commissure angle degree, Fonseca questionnaire score, it was found that labial commissure angle and Fonseca questionnaire scores were higher in stroke group (P < .05). Intragroup examination of patients with stroke showed that dominant mastication side shift was seen in patients with stroke (P < .05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that, temporomandibular joint dysfunction prevalence was higher in stroke group compared with healthy group and use of modalities specific to temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatment would be beneficial.

Efficacy of stabilisation splint treatment on the oral health-related quality of life-A randomised controlled one-year follow-up trial.

The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of stabilisation splint treatment on the oral health-related quality of life OHRQoL during a 1-year follow-up. Originally, the sample consisted of 80 patients (18 men, 62 women) with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) who had been referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Oulu University Hospital, Finland, for treatment. Patients were randomly designated into splint (n = 39) and control group (n = 41). Patients in the splint group were treated with a stabilisation splint. Additionally, patients in both groups received counselling and instructions on masticatory muscle exercises. The patients filled in the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire before treatment and at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. At total, 67 patients (35 in the splint group vs. 32 in the control group) completed the questionnaire at baseline. The outcome variables were OHIP prevalence, OHIP severity and OHIP extent. Linear mixed-effect regression model was used to analyse factors associated with change in OHIP severity during the 1-year follow-up, taking into account treatment time, age, gender and group status. OHIP prevalence, severity and extent decreased in both groups during the follow-up. According to linear mixed-effect regression, decrease in OHIP severity did not associate significantly with group status. Compared to masticatory muscle exercises and counselling alone, stabilisation splint treatment was not more beneficial on self-perceived OHRQoL among TMD patients over a 1-year follow-up.

Similar treatment outcome in myofascial TMD patients with localized and widespread pain.

OBJECTIVE: To study the outcome of oral appliance treatment in myofascial Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with and without comorbid pain using pain site drawings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized, controlled multicentre study comprised 65 myofascial TMD patients diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Pain-site drawings were filled in at the baseline examination. The patients were treated with oral appliances. Treatment outcome was followed up for 1 year and analysed according to the recommendations by the Initiative on Methods, Measurement and Pain assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) on an intent-to-treat basis. The data were analysed for two pain profiles, localized pain (face and head, n = 26) versus widespread pain group (pain sites outside the face and head, n = 39). RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was registered within both groups for all outcome variables (characteristic pain intensity, 30% pain reduction of worst reported pain, graded chronic pain, depression, and somatization scores) during the follow-up with only small differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral appliance treatment had a positive effect on all outcome measures during the 1-year follow-up in patients suffering from myofascial TMD pain, regardless of whether the pain was localized or widespread. Multiple pain sites seemed to have surprisingly little influence on the outcome variables. However, some indications of more challenges when treating patients with widespread pain compared to local pain could be observed. Pain-site drawings seem to be useful in the clinical situation and could support the clinicians in decision-making regarding treatment planning.