title: [Effect of stabilization occlusal splint on intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To find out the influence of stabilization occlusal splint on intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multi-channel measuring and analysis system for intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint was developed in this study. Twenty-two subjects were selected to detect the intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint before and after wearing stabilization splint.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Before splint wearing, the intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint at intercuspal occlusion status was 61.3+/-48.5 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), the negative pressure at open mouth status was 33.2+/-34.2 mm Hg. After splint wearing, the pressure at intercuspal occlusion status was 39.5+/-24.5 mm Hg, the negative pressure at intercuspal at open mouth status was 36.3+/-25.3 mm Hg. The intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint after wearing splint was significantly lower than the pressure before splint was used, the pressure of mouth opening status was stable before and after splint was used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stabilization occlusal splint can reduce the intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. zhanghao@bjmu.edu.cn
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yan-Ping
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Ke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Han
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D011312:Pressure; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult