Temporomandibular dysfunction and repositioning splint therapy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is assess the effectiveness of repositioning splint therapy in the treatment of Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).


METHODS
464 patients with TMD, characterized by an internal derangement and other symptoms including, but not limited to, jaw locking, pain to palpation, headaches, and crepitus, were treated with an anterior repositioning splint to recapture the disc, followed by a superior repositioning splint to allow the muscles to "seat" the condlyles in the fossae.


RESULTS
90% of the patients experienced a remission of the symptoms and were treated to a generally pain free, functionally satisfactory state.


CONCLUSIONS
The response to treatment noted in the 464 patients indicate that repositioning splint therapy is an effective treatment modality for temporomandibular disorders.
Williamson
Eugene H
EH
Medical College of Georgia, USA. eugenewilliamson@msn.com
D003766:Dental Occlusion; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome