Changes in The Temporomandibular Joint after Occlusal Deprogramming

Abstract

Common signs and symptoms of TMD include masticatory muscle pain, TMJ sounds, limited mouth opening, and deviations in mandibular movements. Treatment generally involves some combination of occlusal splints, physiotherapy, relaxation therapy, pharmacological intervention, arthroscopic surgery, education, and behavioural counselling. One randomized controlled trial indicated that an occlusal deprogramming splint is more effective than other methods in treating TMD, although another study produced contradictory results. Measurements of the radiographic joint space a radiolucent area between the mandibular condyle and the temporal bone were introduced by Ricketts to describe condylar position. The clinical significance of condyle-fossa relationships in the TMJ is controversial, but several studies have suggested an association between eccentric condylar position and TMD. This chapter describes key changes in the condyle-fossa relationship after the use of an occlusal deprogramming splint in patients with TMD.