Dextrose neuroprolotherapy and occlusal splint treatment outcomes in occlusal trauma: Evaluation through ultrasound imaging.

Background: Occlusal trauma has become a common phenomenon among individuals today. Its primary source is bruxism, which involves unusual activities such as clenching and grinding during the day or sleep. The hypothesis is that with 5% dextrose neuroprolotherapy, both the trigger points and affected nerves will be healed, and the muscle will be relieved by eliminating the pain.

Methods: This study aimed to compare the short-term ultrasonographic results of patients treated with occlusal splint and 5% dextrose neuroprolotherapy for bruxism. Patients were divided into two groups: the dextrose neuroprolotherapy group and the occlusal splint group. In the first group, patients were administered 5% dextrose three times at one-week intervals using the dextrose neuroprolotherapy method. Impressions for both jaws were made using a high-viscosity irreversible hydrocolloid impression material in the second group. An occlusal splint was tailored to fit the upper jaw. Patients were assessed for masseter muscle thickness and strain ratio using ultrasonography before and 3 months after the treatment.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for all measures. Statistically significant differences were observed in the strain ratio of the left musculus massetericus in the resting position and the thickness of the left musculus massetericus in the contracted position exclusively in the neuroprolotherapy group (p=0.001, p=0.011, respectively). Differences in the strain ratio of both sides of the contracted musculus massetericus were demonstrated in both groups (neuroprolotherapy group: right side p<0.001, left side p=0.007, splint group: right side p=0.005, left side p=0.012).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that 5% dextrose neuroprolotherapy is an effective treatment comparable to an occlusal splint. Objectively visualizing changes in the masseter muscle through ultrasound provides clear results in the context of occlusal trauma and bruxism.