The Effect of the Stabilization Splint on the TMJ Closed Lock

ABSTRACT

The mandibular manipulation technique and anterior repositioning splint are considered acceptable conservative therapies for an acute temporomandibular joint (TMJ) closed lock. However, an anterior repositioning splint will result in a corresponding change in occlusion, such as posterior openbite. Furthermore, invasive treatments such as surgery have many complications. This article describes the effect of the stabilization splint with more conservative therapies, including the manipulation technique, wherein the complications are minimal. In this study, the authors used the stabilization splint instead of the anterior repositioning splint. They obtained acceptable results, including the increase of interincisal distance, a decrease in Fricton's craniomandibular index, and a decrease in Helkimo's clinical dysfunction index. Therefore, the treatment method that is composed of a stabilization splint, manipulation, moist heat, and exercise should be considered as the first choice of treatment for TMJ closed lock, as opposed to a repositioning splint.

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Notes on contributors

Sung-Chang Chung

Dr. Sung-Chang Chung received his D.D.S. degree in 1967 and M.S.D. degree in 1969 from Seoul National University, School of Dentistry. He completed a three-year postgraduate program of Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine at the same school. Currently, he is a professor and chairman, specializing in TMJ and facial pain problems, in the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University. Dr. Chung is a member of the Korean Dental Association, the International Association of Dental Research, and the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Hyung-Suk Kim

Dr. Hyung-Suk Kim received his D.D.S. degree from Seoul National University, School of Dentistry in 1990. He is now a post-graduate student in the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine at Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.