Pre- and posttreatment analysis of clinical symptoms of patients with temporomandibular disorders

Objective: This study treated patients with temporomandibular disc displacement with reduction (with pain, limited mandibular movement, and clicking sound symptoms) using a combination of analgesics, injection, mandibular exercise, and occlusal splints. Method and materials: Twenty-five patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders were evaluated for pretreatment complaints and clinical findings, such as TMJ sounds, mandibular deviation, limited mouth opening, and bilateral magnetic resonance imaging results. Diagnostic treatment was then planned; all patients received occlusal splints, and 10 patients received injections. Results: Evaluations were conducted 1 year after the initial diagnosis and treatment. Complaints (especially of pain) by the patients who received injections had reduced significantly. After 6 months of occlusal splinting, clinical findings of patients with TMJ disc displacement had greatly improved. To manage parafunctional habits of the patients, night plate usage was continued. Therefore, clinical symptom reduction was maintained. Conclusion: The use of mandibular manipulation technique can decrease the anterior disc displacement of the TMJ.