Abstract
Occlusal stabilization appliances or splints are the most widely employed method for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most indicated imaging modality to evaluate the components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forty patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were treated with splints for a mean period of 12 months, comprising regular semimonthly follow-ups. After stabilization of the clinical status, occlusal adjustments and MRI evaluation were performed. It was concluded that the success of this kind of treatment are related to the total (70%) or partial improvement (22.5%) of painful symptomatology and to the functional reestablishment of the craniomandibular complex. The MRI allowed evaluation and also the conclusion that the splints provide conditions for the organism to develop means to resist to the temporomandibular disorders by means of elimination of several etiologic factors. Moreover, after treatment the patients are able to cope with disc displacements with larger or smaller tolerance.
Highlights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an examination that modifies the spin of the tissue protons by means of a powerful magnetic field and is able to catch the images of the structures in several directions, several thicknesses and variations in contrast
There is almost complete consensus in the literature as to the remarkable effectivity of the stabilization splints; there are no studies demonstrating the intraarticular effects by means of imaging methods
It was concluded that these aspects should be observed, in order to demonstrate them by imaging methods
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an examination that modifies the spin of the tissue protons by means of a powerful magnetic field and is able to catch the images of the structures in several directions, several thicknesses and variations in contrast. This examination is primarily indicated for observation of soft tissues or tissues containing a large proportion of water molecules, given that hydrogen nuclei are the most strongly magnetized and generate the best image. The aim of this study was to investigate the real efficacy of these splints at the intra-articular level, by evaluation of patients treated with stabilization splints demonstrating total or partial symptom remission by MRI
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