Retrospective study of TMD patients in general dentistry offices (STING) - findings of a preliminary study

Only very few structured studies from clinical practice in general dentistry offices are available on the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms. The majority of studies are population-based or representative of the structures of patient populations in university treatment centers. To bridge this gap, a study design was developed within the framework of the study group Functional Analysis of the German Federal States' Dental Chambers (BZÄK) that enables the systematic evaluation of data collected from dental practices. The goal of this retrospective study of TMD symptoms in general dentistry offices (STING) is to assess postulated differences between the patient populations in dental treatment centers and practices. During the preparation phase, criteria were defined, a documentation form developed, and the technical feasibility assessed. The described concept serves as a preliminary study for implementation on a larger scale at a later date. The aim of the study is to describe subjective symptoms, objective findings, diagnoses, and different treatment levels, as well as to evaluate the successful treatment outcome of TMD patients treated in dental offices specializing in functional therapy. In contrast to other studies, with a female-male ratio of 2.3:1, the gender distribution was less overrepresented than is reported in the literature. Of TMD patients, 67% were diagnosed with bruxism, as opposed to a prevalence in the population of 8% to 16%. The percentage of patients with orofacial pain of non-dental origin was 17%. Keywords: TMD disorders, TMD therapy, Axis II stress, therapeutic success, pain disease, bite splint therapy, occlusal therapy