Dental approach in unilateral osteoarthritis of temporomandibular joint: case report

Authors

  • Carlos Wallace Cunha Department of Restorative Dentistry – Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry – University of São Paulo (FORP/USP) – Ribeirão Preto – SP – Brazil.
  • Carolina Rodrigues Department of Restorative Dentistry – Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry – University of São Paulo (FORP/USP) – Ribeirão Preto – SP – Brazil.
  • Lais Valencise Magri Department of Restorative Dentistry – Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry – University of São Paulo (FORP/USP) – Ribeirão Preto – SP – Brazil.
  • Bruno Henrique Figueiredo Matos Department of Restorative Dentistry – Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry – University of São Paulo (FORP/USP) – Ribeirão Preto – SP – Brazil.
  • Cesar Bataglion Department of Restorative Dentistry – Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry – University of São Paulo (FORP/USP) – Ribeirão Preto – SP – Brazil.
  • Marcelo Oliveira Mazzetto Department of Restorative Dentistry – Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry – University of São Paulo (FORP/USP) – Ribeirão Preto – SP – Brazil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14295/bds.2016.v19i2.1166

Abstract

Objective: To describe a case of unilateral TMJ osteoarthritis from the Dentistry point of view, aiming to restore the quality of life through non-invasive procedures. Description of case: M.C.B., female, 69 years, complaining about a sudden change in the bite, difficulty to chewing/opening mouth and pain in the orofacial region. At extraoral examination, we observe the presence of crepitus in the left TMJ, click in the right TMJ (electrovibratography) and pain on palpation in the left TMJ region. Absence of tooth contacts on the right side in maximum habitual intercuspation (MHI). The intraoral examination revealed the presence of inflammation and excessive wear in the left mandibular condyle (osteoarthritis), visualized by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with contrast. The patient underwent treatment by oclusal splint (night use), overlay removable partial dentures (daytime use), application of lower level laser therapy and transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation (TENS). Masticatory function, mouth opening, and aesthetics improved. Conclusion: Conservative therapies may be a good option for the re-establishment of the quality of life in subjects with TMJ osteoarthritis, inasmuch as it can postpone or delete the indication of more invasive techniques (e.g. surgery).

 

Keywords

Osteoarthritis; Temporomandibular joint disorders; Temporomandibular joint. 

 

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Published

2016-07-07

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2016): Apr. - Jun. / 2016 - Published June 2016

Section

Case Report or Clinical Technique

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