title: [The therapy of masticatory muscle pain with oral splints].
abstract: Myofascial masticatory muscle pain is the second most frequent pain-related complaint in the orofacial region. Like unspecific musculoskeletal pain in other body segments, masticatory muscle pain is characterised by a multifactorial aetiology. The aim of this article is to document the current knowledge about the therapy with oral splints. It is shown that in both the short and long term, oral appliances can achieve sufficient pain relief in the majority of patients. In chronic myofascial jaw pain associated with psychosocial impairment in patients, effectiveness of splint therapy is limited, though. Within an interdisciplinary pain management programme, additional involvement of a psychotherapist is essential.
authors.affiliation: Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Prothetik, Universität Heidelberg. myo.schindler@t-online.de
authors.forename: Hans J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Schindler
authors.forename: Alfons
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hugger
authors.forename: Jens C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Türp
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D005156:Facial Neuralgia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design
keywords: Myalgie; Myoarthropathien; Myoarthropathies; Therapieempfehlungen; craniomandibular dysfunctions; kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktionen; myalgia; myofascial pain; myofaszialer Schmerz; treatment recommendations