The pattern of splint usage in the management of two common temporomandibular disorders. Part II: The stabilisation splint in the treatment of pain dysfunction syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the stabilisation splint is a suitable treatment for pain dysfunction syndrome and to determine the most appropriate pattern of usage.

DESIGN

Prospective random control clinical trial.

SETTING

Dental school clinic unit.

SUBJECTS

70 patients diagnosed with pain dysfunction syndrome were treated with a stabilisation splint for 3 months. Group 1 (23 patients) wore the splint 24 hours/day. Group 2 (19 patients) wore the splint only during the day. Group 3 (28 patients) wore the splint only at night.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant advantage to any pattern of splint usage; all groups showed a marked improvement by subjective and objective assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients being treated for pain dysfunction syndrome by a stabilisation splint need wear the splint only at night.