Treatment needs and therapy experiences in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a retrospective survey

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated a patient population suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) with respect to their need for treatment, satisfaction with the information received, and the treatment provided.

Methods: A survey was sent by post to 1011 patients.

Results: Almost one-third of the patients had used analgesics prior to the start of any treatment. Having pain and functional jaw complaints was a risk factor for patients experiencing social restrictions. Subjects with severe complaints needed a range of conservative treatment modalities in combination with more follow-up appointments in agreement with the practitioners. Persons with remaining functional limitations were often unsatisfied with information and care they had received. The rate of compliance with prescribed treatment modalities and advice corresponded significantly higher with patient contentment with final outcome.

Discussion: Patient satisfaction is often determined by a qualitative doctor–patient relationship. The influence of complaints and pain on daily functioning was illustrated. Pain medication use at baseline seems to be predictive for persistent orofacial pain (OFP).

Keywords:

• Temporomandibular disorders
• Quality of life
• Treatment compliance
• Patient satisfaction
• Communication skills
• Doctor–patient agreement

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Dr. Hein De Backer, private practitioner and senior researcher at the Dental School, Ghent University, for the design of and permission to use the questionnaire, and to professor Georges Van Maele of the Department of Medical Statistics, Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, for the statistical analysis.