Specific occlusal scheme for partially edentulous patients with TMD signs-preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to ascertain a specific occlusal scheme to reduce temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms in the therapy of partially edentulous patients with removable partial acrylic dentures.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four partially edentulous patients who had unilateral free-end saddle in the mandible along with a history of TMD signs and symptoms were prosthodontically treated, fitting them with new removable acrylic partial dentures (NRAPD) for their lower jaws. The new and specific occlusal scheme was established with tendencies to restrict mandibular functional movements partly; this proved somewhat awkward, but had the benefit of allowing continued unrestricted occlusal contacts in grinding and functional movements. RDC-TMD clinical examinations and answers to questionnaires were provided for the old dentures, and nine weeks after delivery of NRAPD.

RESULTS: After the NRAPD treatment, the patients' painful symptoms were reduced and their mandibular movements were corrected. Statistically significant changes were obtained for the opening pattern (Pearson Chi2 =18.609; P=0001), the maximum unassisted opening (F=3.507; P=0.052), the maximum assisted opening (F=4.299; P=0.042), and the corrected position of midline (F=5.893; P=0.018) before and after the NRAPD treatment. Additionally, significant changes were seen for questions on changes in facial pain to ability to work (Pearson Chi2 =26.921; P=0.00), jaws click or pop when they open, close, or chew (Pearson Chi2 =6.227; P=0.013), jaws make a grating or grinding noise when they open, close, or chew (Pearson Chi2 =9.273; P=0.002), and bites feel unusual (Pearson Chi2 =13.170; P=0.000). Characteristic pain intensity (F=19.311; P=0.000), points for disability score (F=9.830; P=0.003), disability points (F=10.208; P=0.002), and chronic pain grade (F=7.961; P=0.006) were significantly different in terms of the effects of the NRAPD therapy.

CONCLUSION: Specific occlusal scheme in NPARD promoted improvement in the therapy.