Kanjana Chavalertsakul. Long term efficiency of occlusal splint therapy in self-reported bruxists and temporomandibular disorders patients. Master's Degree(Prosthodontics ). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2008.
Long term efficiency of occlusal splint therapy in self-reported bruxists and temporomandibular disorders patients
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficiency of occlusal
splint therapy in bruxists and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients. Two
hundred and forty-five bruxists and TMD patients from the Special Clinic and
Occlusion Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University were interviewed. Forty
patients (32 females, 8 males) treated with occlusal splints were selected according to
the inclusion criteria. Patients were interviewed and completed a questionnaire on
demographic data, changes in symptoms and attitude to and use of occlusal splints.
The subjects were examined to determine their occlusal condition. Chi-square was
used to analyze the relationship between demographic and occlusal data as well as
subjects’ attitudes toward the efficiency of their occlusal splints. The results showed
that the subjects had been wearing occlusal splints for periods ranging from 6 months
to 68 months (mean 21.5, S.D. 15.68). Thirty five patients or 87.5% (20 TMD patients
and 15 bruxists) reported that their symptoms had improved after occlusal splint
therapy. There was a significant relationship between occlusal splint efficiency and
subjects’ attitudes. (p= 0.01) Neither demographic nor occlusal data was related to the
efficiency of occlusal splints. It can be concluded from this study that the attitude of
patients can play a major role in the long term self-reported efficiency of occlusal
splint therapy.