The Effectiveness of Occlusal Splint for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is defined that the disc-condyle complex is positioned anterior to the articular eminence in the open mouth position, and is unable to return to a normal closed mouth position without a manipulative maneuver. TMJ dislocation can recur habitually and result several problems to patients such as discomfort, pain, fear, and anxiety. The only definitive treatment for TMJ dislocation is surgical alteration of the joint itself. In most cases, however, a surgical procedure is far too aggressive for the symptoms experienced by the patient. In addition, the effect of surgical treatment may be insufficient, and the recurrence have been reported. It is also possible to develop several complications after surgical treatment. Therefore much effort should be directed at supportive therapy in an attempt to eliminate the disorder or at least reduce the symptom to tolerable levels. Through this cases the authors present favorable treatment outcome using occlusal splint with the patient of TMJ dislocation. Occlusal splint therapy can be considered as easy, safe, and useful non-invasive modality to treatment of TMJ dislocation.