Prevalence and Patterns of Nocturnal Bruxofacets on Stabilization Splints in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of nocturnal bruxism, the characteristics of bruxofacets, and the reduction of symptoms in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. The study involved the observation of bruxofacets on a stabilization splint. Twenty-six patients (22 women and 4 men, 16–54 years of age) with signs and symptoms of TMD were given an initial examination before using a splint, and then at intervals of one, three, six and ten weeks after a stabilization splint was first used. In 88% of the patients (n=23) active shiny facets or scratches caused by nocturnal bruxism appeared on the occlusal surface of splints within ten weeks. In 52% of the 23 patients these facets were created by bilateral mandibular excursions, in 35% by small lateral movements, and in 13% by unilateral excursions. Subjective pain and the Craniomandibular Index in patients had decreased after ten weeks (p<0.001), but a reduction of symptoms did not differ according to the patterns of the bruxofacets. It was concluded that most TMD patients have a parafunctional habit, namely bruxism. Further research is needed to produce more convincing evidence of a true cause-and-effect relationship between nocturnal bruxism and TMD.

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Notes on contributors

Sung-Chang Chung

Dr. Sung-Chang Chung received his D.D.S. degree in 1967 and an 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 temporomandibular joint and orofacial pain problems in the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University. Dr. Chung is also a member of the International Association for the Study of Pain and International Association of Dental Research.

Young-Ku Kim

Dr. Young-Ku Kim received his D.D.S. degree in 1971 and an M.S.D. degree in 1976 from Seoul National University, School of Dentistry. Currently, he is a professor specializing in temporomandibular joint and orofacial pain problems in the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University. Dr. Kim also actively participates in the research and clinic of oral malodor.

Hyung-Suk Kim

Dr. Hyung-Suk Kim received his D.D.S. degree in 1990 and an M.S.D. degree in 1993 from Seoul National University, School of Dentistry. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. course at the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Diagnosis in School of Dentistry, Seoul National University.