[Analysis of changes in the position of the temporomandibular joint articular disc during positioning splint therapy according to magnetic resonance imaging data].

Abstract

The aim of the study: Was to assess an impact of positioning occlusal splints made by various methods on the position of the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint according to MRI data.

Materials and methods: 40 patients (8 men and 32 women) aged from 18 to 60 years with temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome were examined (ICD-10 code K07.60). Patients were treated with splint therapy using traditional splints made with combined method (20 patients) and subtractive occlusal splints made by CAD/CAM technology (20 patients). All patients had MRI of the temporomandibular joints before splint therapy and at the final stage of treatment to determine the position of the articular disc in the habitual occlusion and at maximum mouth opening.

Results: After splint therapy, patients in both groups showed an improvement in the position of the articular disc in the usual occlusion: the rate of patients with bilateral dislocation of the articular disc decreased from 85% to 67.5%, and with unilateral articular disc dislocation decreased from 15% to 10%. With maximum mouth opening, complete reposition of the articular disc in both joints were recorded in 22.5%; the rate of patients with bilateral disorder of articular disc repositioning decreased from 85% to 67.5%, and with unilateral disorder of articular disc repositioning decreased from 15% to 10%.

Conclusions: Splint therapy had a pronounced positive clinical effect in patients with pain dysfunction syndrome in the temporomandibular joints. Splint therapy is more effective in correcting sagittal dislocation of the articular disc than transversal dislocation. The study showed comparable treatment results when using traditional and digital occlusal splints.