Tsuga K, Akagawa Y, Sakaguchi R, Tsuru H
Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Hiroshima University, School of Dentistry, Japan.
J Prosthet Dent. 1989 May;61(5):610-3. doi: 10.1016/0022-3913(89)90286-2.
To clarify the short-term effectiveness of stabilization-type occlusal splint therapy, a specific symptom approach was used toward 30 temporomandibular joint dysfunction patients with more than two major symptoms (temporomandibular joint and/or masticatory muscle pain, temporomandibular joint sounds, and limitation of mandibular movement). Eighty-seven percent of the patients with pain responded with this therapy and more than 50% had complete relief of pain 4 weeks after insertion of the splint. Temporomandibular joint sounds and limitation of mandibular movement responded more slowly than pain. These results suggest that the stabilization-type occlusal splint should be selected as a first choice among several therapies and that temporomandibular joint pain is particularly susceptible to this therapy.
