The prevalence and treatment needs of subjects with temporomandibular disorders.

A cross-sectional study of prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangements, muscle disorders, and associated TM signs and symptoms was completed on 269 female nursing students. The prevalence of specific stages of internal derangements of the TMJ and muscle disorders was estimated, using established diagnostic criteria. The levels of dysfunction and symptomatology associated with each diagnosis were estimated with previously established indexes. When subjects with symptoms were asked if they had previous treatment for a TMJ problem, 6.7% responded positively. When subjects with symptoms who had not had treatment were asked why they had not sought treatment, most responded that it was not a problem or they could live with the symptoms. Thus, most subjects with clinically detectable dysfunction are functioning adequately without significant symptoms and do not need treatment.