[Effect of stabilization occlusal splint on intra-articular pressure of the temporomandibular joint].
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.
Zhang
Hao
H
Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. zhanghao@bjmu.edu.cn
Zhao
Yan-Ping
YP
Han
Ke
K
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