The influence of selected factors on the efficacy and duration of treatment of disk displacement in the temporomandibular joint by occlusal repositioning splint

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders are characterised by the presence of discomfort in masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and nearby structures of the head and neck region. Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and duration of treatment with an occlusal repositioning splint in patients with disc displacement, with and without reduction in TMJ. Material and methods: A group of 40 patients, aged 16-55 years, was randomly selected for treatment using occlusal repositioning splints. Based on clinical and additional examinations, the therapeutic mandible position was established and an occlusal repositioning splint was produced. Clinical examinations, based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), were carried out before treatment and on each check-up visit (days 7 and 14, and every four weeks). Results: In the study group a statistically significant clinical improvement was observed after using an occlusal repositioning splint ( p < 0.05). Termination of treatment was between 3 and 12 months of observation. The efficacy depended significantly on advancement and severity of disorders. There was no effect of advancement and severity of dysfunction, duration of symptoms, general diseases, or malocclusion on the duration of treatment. A slightly greater chance for shorter duration of splint usage was seen in patients with disc displacement without reduction, with manual repositioning before the splint usage, compared to patients with disc displacement with reduction (HR = 1.02, 95% confidence level [CL] = 0.42-2.47; p = 0.9579). Conclusions: Treatment with an occlusal repositioning splint is effective in the elimination of signs and symptoms TMJ disk displacement. The improvement depends on disorder advancement and severity of symptoms. The time of treatment with the occlusal repositioning splint usage is highly individual

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