Analysis of Functional Disturbances of the Masticatory System

Abstract

This study analyzed some clinical recordings and diagnoses from the case records of 350 patients referred for functional disturbances of the masticatory system along with data from a questionnaire the patients had answered at their first visit. The dental status varied greatly among the patients. Neither the occlusal index, O_i, nor any of the observations included in O_i. showed a significant correlation with the clinical dysfunction index, D_i.

The significant correlation that was found between the severity of reported symptoms and D_i was best explained by the sign of muscle tenderness on palpation. According to regression analysis, the variation of D_i was most strongly influenced by reported pain on movement of the mandible and by tooth clenching.

Dividing the patients into subgroups according to symptom patterns and diagnoses gave in general only small mean differences, and there was a wide range of individual variation in all groups for most of the variables. The results of this study verify that there is great heterogeneity of signs, symptoms, and diagnoses in patients with functional disturbances of the masticatory system.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anita Wedel

Anita Wedel, D.D.S.

Dr. Wedel received her legitimation as a dentist from the University of Lund Dental School in Malmö, Sweden, in 1967. She then worked for five years in general practice in the Dental Health Service of Göteborg, Sweden. She is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Stomatognathic Physiology at the University of Göteborg, where she has taught since 1972.

Dr. Wedel has fulfilled her specialization in the field of dentistry that includes the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. She has published several articles in international and Swedish journals. She is continuing clinical research on TMJ patients.

Gunnar E. Carlsson

Gunnar E. Carlsson, D.D.S., Odont. Dr.

Dr. Carlsson received his D.D.S. degree from the Royal Dental School in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1954. He then spent three years in the national dental service in Lapland. He earned his Odont. Dr. (Ph.D.) at the University of Umeå Dental School in Sweden in 1967.

Dr. Carlsson is a professor in and chairman of the Department of Stomatognathic Physiology at the Faculty of Ondontology of the University of Goteborg, Sweden. He is a member of the American Equilibration Society, the Society of Oral Physiology/Store Kro Group, and the International Association for Dental Research. He is also president of the Swedish Society for Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology.

Dr. Carlsson has lectured throughout the world, and he has also written numerous articles and chapters dealing with temporomandibular joint problems.