Functional Impairment in TMJ Patient and Nonpatient Groups According to a Disability Index and Symptom Profile

Abstract

Symptom prevalence figures tend to exaggerate the problem of TMJ disorders. An index based on disability was constructed as an improved measure, consolidating symptom intensity, frequency, and functional impairment.

Thereby 80% of TMJ patients were experiencing significant disability. This figure reaffirms the need for better recognition in treatment support for these patients.

According to the index, 8% to 10% of a nonpatient group had equivalent severity, but this was weighted by the frequency of TMJ clicking, while accompanying pain and interference were infrequent. TMJ clicking without pain or symptom progression is probably not a strong indication of need for treatment.

Sixty-five percent of the patients, compared to only 5% in the control population, reported specific disturbance of jaw function. Women in both groups reported significantly more severe symptoms.

Importantly, all indices suffer from not being diagnosis-specific. The benefits of an alternative symptom profile are proposed and discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew G. Pullinger

Andrew Pullinger, D.D.S, M.Sc.

Dr. Pullinger is an associate professor at the U.C.L.A. School of Dentistry in the Section of Gnathology and Occlusion, co-director of the U.C.L.A. Temporomandibular and Facial Pain Clinic, and a member of the U.C.L.A. Dental Research Institute. He is active in graduate education and patient care, and he has published widely in temporomandibular disorders. He holds memberships in craniomandibular, prosthodontic, and research organizations.

Dr. Pullinger received his B.D.S. degree from the University of London, England, in 1970, followed by a residency, and his D.D.S. degree and Master of Science in prosthodonotics from McGill University, Montreal, in 1973 and 1976. In 1978, he became a member of the Royal College of Dentists (Canada) in prosthodontics. He was an associate professor in prosthodontics and co-founder of the TMJ clinic at McGill until joining the U.C.L.A. Faculty in 1982.

Andre A. Monteiro

Andre A. Monteiro, C.D., M.S.

Dr. Andre Monteiro is a D.D.S. graduate of the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1980, and practiced in Rio de Janeiro until 1983. He completed a Master of Science in Oral Biology at UCLA in 1986 with a clinical certificate in temporomandibular disorders from the UCLA Temporomandibular Joint and Facial Pain Clinic. Currently Dr. Monteiro is concluding a Ph.D. program at Malmo University, Sweden.