Prevalence of recurrent headache and mandibular dysfunction in patients with unsatisfactory complete dentures.

Abstract

The prevalence of headache and mandibular dysfunction was studied in 43 patients with unsatisfactory complete dentures waiting for prosthodontic treatment at the Dental Clinic of the National Dental Service in Jokkmokk, Sweden. In addition to answering a questionnaire, all patients underwent a clinical-functional examination of the masticatory system. Seventeen patients (40%), 15 women and two men, reported recurrent headache. 63% of the men and 83% of the women showed marked clinical signs of mandibular dysfunction. A significant correlation between headache and mandibular dysfunction was found. The low representation of complete denture wearers in clinical series of patients referred for treatment of mandibular dysfunction may be due to a reduced propensity to seek help and a greater willingness to accept a certain degree of dysfunction compared with other people.