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.


METHODS
Prospective random control clinical trial.


METHODS
Dental school clinic unit.


METHODS
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.
Davies
S J
SJ
Department of Dental Medicine and Surgery, University Dental Hospital of Manchester.
Gray
R J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors