T-scan system in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders – A review

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a very common problem affecting up to 33% of individuals worldwide. TMD is a musculoskeletal disorder within the masticatory system presenting with typical signs and symptoms of pain, limited mouth opening, joint sounds, mandibular deviation, and chewing disability. Pain is the most important symptom of TMD which drives the patient to seek medical help. The etiology of TMD is complex and multifactorial. The role of dental occlusion as an etiological factor for TMD has been hypothesized by several authors. A balanced dental occlusion plays an important role for the healthy functioning of the masticatory system. Premature occlusal contacts and occlusal-articulating interferences cause occlusal trauma which can induce changes in the tooth-supporting tissues (the mucosa, periodontal tissues, and bone), in the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint. In dental practice, articulating paper has been established as the most widely used diagnostic aid to mark the contact points between the maxillary and mandibular teeth. The articulating paper can readily highlight the occlusal contacts; however, it can neither accurately quantify the intensity nor measure the magnitude of the generated occlusal forces. T-scan computerized occlusal analysis technology eliminates the process of subjective interpretation of occlusal contacts obtained using articulating paper marks and precisely pinpoints the excessively forceful contact locations and displays them for analysis in a colourful three-dimensional view thus helping the diagnostician to understand the overall occlusal force distribution. This article deals with T-scan system and its role in temporomandibular disorders.