The short-term impact of occlusal splints on the expression of temporomandibular dysfunctions (pilot study)

Abstract

Introduction. Temporomandibular dysfunctions are frequently encountered in clinical dental practice, with a significant impact on the functionality of the stomatognathic system and quality of life. The rehabilitation of patients with temporomandibular dysfunction requires conservative, minimally invasive treatments, with a central objective of improving the dysfunctional symptoms. As a first-line treatment, occlusal splints are often indicated — devices with high efficiency (70-90%), but the therapeutic mechanisms and their primary effects in the short term are still not elucidated. Aim of the study: Evaluation of the short-term impact of treatment with occlusal splints on the objective and subjective level of expression of temporomandibular disorders. Results: The impact of the reversible occlusal treatment on the structure of the clinical picture in the short term (1 month of treatment) was varied, attesting to the statistically significant reduction of the mean values regarding the clinical indices of TMD expression (comfortable mouth opening amplitude, the number of joint sites /sensitive muscles, pain intensity) and subjective (perceived level of functional limitation). Conclusion: The overall analysis demonstrates impact trends of statistically significant amelioration for the studied symptoms, but the individual analysis of the cases demonstrates that the treatment with splints has an inconsistent effect per signs/symptoms, which highlights the need for studies over longer periods of time and with a wider range of clinical indices.