[Dental aspects of the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders].

Over the last years, aetiological concepts have changed drastically. The role of occlusal factors in the aetiology has been overestimated in the past. The role of occlusal therapy should be aimed at restoring function. In the initial phase of treatment an occlusal splint, counseling, physiotherapy and occasionally NSAID's, leads to relieve pain and reduction of dysfunction in most patients. A repositioning splint in cases of anterior disc dislocation is not longer recommended. Selective grinding can be done in "occlusally sensitive" patients with pain or dysfunction of muscular origin. The adjustment should have a limited character, and is not indicated as preventive measure. Occlusal prosthetic reconstruction is in most patients not indicated for reasons linked to TMD because the aetiologic relationships between TMD and loss of molars has not been established. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthrosis and spondylitis ankylosans, occlusal changes can occur due to the degeneration of the joint components. After the initial phase of treatment replacing the lost molars by prostheses in these particular patients, results in unloading of the joints and in decreasing recurrence of symptoms.