Clinical outcome of subjective symptoms in myofascial pain patients treated by immediate complete anterior guidance development technique using digital analysis of occlusion (Tek-scan) and electromyography

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of occlusal equilibration using immediate complete anterior guidance development (ICAGD) technique by Kerstein. This technique is the most advanced verifiable and measurable way of digitally analysing the occlusion using T-scan technology and muscle activity using electromyography. Materials and Methods: This study is to assess the subjective symptoms of 75 patients diagnosed as myofascial pain patients and who were treated by ICAGD technique as described by Kerstein. The common complaints of the patients were pain in the masseter and temporal muscles, jaw tiredness in the mornings, night bruxing and difficulty in chewing. This technique involves occlusal equilibration to remove all posterior interferences and establish anterior guidance. The patients were treated over three visits 1-week apart and followed for 3 years. The symptoms reduction occurred for all the patients after the first correction in about 5-10 days. In about a period of 3 years review, no recurrence was seen of the chronic myofascial symptoms. Results: Regardless of the chronic nature of the patient's symptoms, symptom reduction occurred in a week's time. This agrees with the studies of Kerstein and others. Discussion: If free excursive mandibular movements are not established, may lead to muscle dysfunction at later years. Thus, equilibration should be done to establish good and free functional movements without any interference. Clinical relevance to interdisciplinary dentistry Using biometric tools like T scan helps dentists to 100% accurate diagnosis of TMD/ occlusion problems and to treat the case objectively. In the area of interdisciplinary practices, these gadgets help us to identify the issues precisely. Thus, a clinician will be at an advantage to locate the causative factor immediately with accuracy and treat the patient.