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Assessing a New Jaw Support Device During Third Molar Extractions

The Restful Jaw Device: A New Way to Support and Protect the Jaw During Third Molar Extractions

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03975920
Enrollment
180
Registered
2019-06-05
Start date
2019-06-25
Completion date
2021-02-25
Last updated
2022-06-06

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Impacted Third Molar Tooth, Temporomandibular Disorder

Keywords

jaw support device, wisdom teeth, impacted, Temporomandibular Disorders

Brief summary

During mandibular 3rd molar (wisdom tooth) extractions, when a downward force is placed on the patient's jaw, the patient must tense his/her jaw muscles to oppose it. Patients under moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia cannot tense their muscles to counter this downward force to prevent injury to the jaw including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Bite blocks hold the patient's mouth open but do not counter this downward force on the mandible. Currently, oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) when surgically removing 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) with moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia have a dental assistant that stands behind the chair and places their hands on both sides of the jaw to support it and oppose the downward force on the patient's jaw during the extractions. It is hard for the dental assistant to maintain support while anticipating the direction and amount of force placed by the OMS on the patient's jaw during the surgical removal. This may explain the finding that almost a quarter of new onset TMD cases in young adults is associated with 3rd molar removal. This study will look at the use of a jaw support device to provide a stable counterforce to downward forces on the jaw, thus preventing jaw hyperextension and injury to the jaw.

Detailed description

Dental procedures can cause jaw pain, discomfort and fatigue from opening the mouth too long or too wide, or by placing too much force on the jaw. (1-15) Opening too wide can also cause hyperextension of the jaw. During and after long dental procedures, patients frequently report jaw pain, fatigue, or discomfort. This pain and dysfunction characterizes temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which can be short-term or may become chronic. TMD occurrence is frequently associated with trauma from dental procedures, including 3rd molar extractions. (1-15) Also, dental procedures may aggravate pre-existing subclinical TMD symptoms. (16) When a downward force is placed on the patient's jaw to surgically remove the mandibular (lower) 3rd molars, the patient must tense his/her jaw muscles to oppose it. This can result in jaw pain, discomfort or fatigue, especially if the force is high or prolonged. Patients under moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia cannot tense their muscles to counter this downward force to prevent injury to the jaw. Bite blocks hold the patient's mouth open but do nothing to counter this downward force on the jaw. Opening a patient's mouth too wide can cause jaw hyperextension; a long extraction procedure time can also lead to injury of the jaw. Currently, oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) when surgically removing 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) with moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia have at least 2 dental assistants present. The first dental assistant provides suction and gives the surgical instruments to the surgeon. The second dental assistant is a certified anesthesia dental assistant who monitors the patient's vitals as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels while providing the patient with medications intravenously. This second dental assistant also inserts the bite block and then stands behind the chair and places their hands on both sides of the jaw to support it and oppose the downward force on the patient's jaw during the extractions. If additional intravenous medications are needed during the surgery, the surgery has to stop (lost time) and the OMS or the first dental assistant supports the jaw until the second dental assistant completes the medication administration. Based on clinical experience, the second dental assistant often experiences fatigue and pain in their hands, arms, neck and shoulders during long or difficult procedures, which can affect his/her ability to support the jaw. Given the second dental assistant's many duties and responsibilities, it is hard for the assistant to provide constant good jaw support while anticipating the direction and amount of force placed by the OMS on the patient's jaw during 3rd molar surgical removal. This may explain the finding that almost a quarter of new onset of TMD cases in young adults is associated with 3rd molar removal. This patient safety issue can be addressed during 3rd molar surgical removal by using a bite block to hold the mouth open and concurrently using a jaw support device under the jaw to provide a stable counter force to downward forces on the jaw, thus preventing jaw hyperextension and injury to the jaw. This would also free the second dental assistant from holding the jaw so he/she can concentrate on his/her other duties, which would improve patient safety. In this two-arm parallel randomized clinical trial design, 294 patients undergoing 3rd molar extractions with moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia will be randomly allocated to Usual Care (UC) or Experimental Care (EC). Patients presenting for surgical removal of 3rd molars will be invited to participate in the study at the time of their oral surgery consult. The OMS will determine if the patient meets eligibility criteria, explain the study and invite them to participate. At the time of 3rd molar removal, the OMS and their dental assistants will follow their standard procedures for obtaining consent from patients for 3rd molar removal with moderate/deep sedation. In addition, they will confirm the patient's interest to participate in the study, ask if they have any questions an obtain consent. The jaw device will be placed for those who are randomized into the EC group. The OMS will follow their standard protocol for removal of the teeth. The only change will be that the dental assistant standing behind the chair will be present at all time to readjust the device position as needed or remove the device as indicated. The default in the case of device malfunction is for the device to fall away from the patient and the dental assistant will be immediately available to take over supporting the patient's jaw with their hands, which is one of their standard responsibilities when the device is not used. Patients will report temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain via questionnaires at baseline and at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up time points via email, phone and/or text.

Interventions

DEVICEThe Restful Jaw Device

The Restful Jaw Device is used to support the jaw during dental procedures including surgical removal of 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) with sedation. The device is designed to counter the downward forces placed on the mandible by clinicians during dental procedures and prevent jaw hyperextension (opening too wide) while providing a secure, stable jaw position. When 3rd molar teeth are surgically removed with sedation, a dental assistant stands behind the dental chair and supports the patient's jaw with both hands under the patient's jaw. This device replicates the dental assistant in holding the jaw during dental procedures.

Sponsors

HealthPartners Institute
CollaboratorOTHER
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
CollaboratorNIH
University of Minnesota
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)

Masking description

In this RCT, it is not feasible to blind patients, surgeons, or dental assistants to treatment after the intervention assignments have occurred, so they will not be blinded. It is, however, feasible to mask the sequence of treatment assignments until the moment each assignment is made, and this will be done, as described in Section 5.4.1, above.

Intervention model description

In this two-arm parallel randomized clinical trial (RCT) design, 294 patients undergoing 3rd molar extractions with moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia will be randomly allocated to Usual Care (UC) or Experimental Care (EC). The study intervention for EC is use of the Restful Jaw version 2 (RJ2) device, which supports the jaw during the extractions, with concurrent use of a bite block. The study control is UC, which involves the dental assistant supporting the jaw during the extractions with concurrent use of a bite block.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Between 18 to 30 years of age at time of enrollment; * Willing to provide informed consent to be randomized to either using the device or not when having surgical removal of 3rd molars with moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia; * Requires surgical removal of bilateral mandibular 3rd molars with moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia; concurrent maxillary 3rd molars removal allowed; * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status category 1 (normal healthy patient) or Category 2 (patient with mild systemic disease); * Available to be contacted for study purposes by e-mail, phone and/or text; * Willing to provide contact information for one other person who will know the patient's whereabouts in the event the patient cannot be reached. This contact information must be different from the patient's contact information; * Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the six month duration of data collection.

Exclusion criteria

* In the past 3 months, reports the presence of TMD pain in their temples, jaw joints or jaw muscles; * Contraindication(s) for moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia; * Any condition or situation the surgeon determines that would prevent the patient from participating in this study; * Inability to understand study procedures or provide consent in English; * Device does not fit mandible; * Supernumerary 3rd molars present.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.1 MonthThe primary outcome is the self-report of the occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline. All subjects were pain-free at baseline (i.e., pre-surgically) for TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report endorses at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline either or both of the following questions: 1. Pain in jaw when opening mouth wide or 2. Pain in temples, jaw joints or jaw muscles.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.1 MonthThe occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline will be measured using the reliable and valid TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire. This subject self-report measure is comprised of 3 questions assessing the duration of TMD pain, presence of jaw pain or stiffness upon awakening, and activities that change TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline is positive for the presence of TMD pain per the TMD Pain Screener.
Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).1 MonthSubjects will compete at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline the reliable and valid Characteristic Pain Index (CPI) that measures pain intensity. It is comprised of 3 items assessed using numerical rating scales (0-10): current pain, worst pain and average pain. The final score is the average of these 3 items x 10. The CPI is part of the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS).
Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.1 MonthTMJ noise is deemed to have occurred at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline if the subject's self report endorses the question: Have you had any clicking or popping in your jaw joints?
Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.1 MonthSubjects will report any change in jaw pain at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline using this question: How would you describe the change (if any) in your jaw pain since it started? The response options are: Much Worse (1), Slightly Worse(2), No Change(3), Slightly Better(4) or Much Better(5).

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Participants were recruited at an academic institution, 2 clinics that are a part of a large group practice, and a clinic in the community between June 2019 and August 2020. The first participant was enrolled on June 25, 2019 and the last participant was enrolled on August 27, 2020.

Pre-assignment details

A total of 180 participants were enrolled through consult and surgical appointments for removal of wisdom teeth. Nine (9) participants were not randomized due to change in anesthesia or were unable to complete their procedure prior to enrollment closure. 171 participants were randomized into the study; of those, 2 were removed from the study due to protocol deviations (determined did not meet inclusion criteria).

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Usual Care (UC)
The study control is UC, which involves the dental assistant supporting the jaw during the extractions with concurrent use of a bite block.
83
Experimental Care (EC)
The study intervention for EC is use of the Restful Jaw version 2 (RJ2) device, which supports the jaw during the extractions, with concurrent use of a bite block. The Restful Jaw Device: The Restful Jaw Device is used to support the jaw during dental procedures including surgical removal of 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) with sedation. The device is designed to counter the downward forces placed on the mandible by clinicians during dental procedures and prevent jaw hyperextension (opening too wide) while providing a secure, stable jaw position. When 3rd molar teeth are surgically removed with sedation, a dental assistant stands behind the dental chair and supports the patient's jaw with both hands under the patient's jaw. This device replicates the dental assistant in holding the jaw during dental procedures.
86
Total169

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyDid not complete survey21
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up12
Overall StudyProtocol Violation11

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicUsual Care (UC)Experimental Care (EC)Total
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
83 Participants86 Participants169 Participants
Age, Customized
18-30 years
83 Participants86 Participants169 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
4 Participants11 Participants15 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
74 Participants66 Participants140 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
5 Participants9 Participants14 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
3 Participants2 Participants5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
6 Participants13 Participants19 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
8 Participants8 Participants16 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
5 Participants4 Participants9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
4 Participants4 Participants8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
57 Participants55 Participants112 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
83 participants86 participants169 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
52 Participants57 Participants109 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
31 Participants29 Participants60 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 840 / 87
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 840 / 87
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 840 / 87

Outcome results

Primary

Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.

The primary outcome is the self-report of the occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline. All subjects were pain-free at baseline (i.e., pre-surgically) for TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report endorses at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline either or both of the following questions: 1. Pain in jaw when opening mouth wide or 2. Pain in temples, jaw joints or jaw muscles.

Time frame: 1 Month

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.Pain reported at 1 month26 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.No pain reported at 1 month54 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.No pain reported at 1 month53 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.Pain reported at 1 month32 Participants
Primary

Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.

The primary outcome is the self-report of the occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline. All subjects were pain-free at baseline (i.e., pre-surgically) for TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report endorses at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline either or both of the following questions: 1. Pain in jaw when opening mouth wide or 2. Pain in temples, jaw joints or jaw muscles.

Time frame: 3 Month

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.Pain reported at 3 months18 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.No pain reported at 3months60 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.Pain reported at 3 months21 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.No pain reported at 3months63 Participants
Primary

Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.

The primary outcome is the self-report of the occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline. All subjects were pain-free at baseline (i.e., pre-surgically) for TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report endorses at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline either or both of the following questions: 1. Pain in jaw when opening mouth wide or 2. Pain in temples, jaw joints or jaw muscles.

Time frame: 6 Month

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.Pain reported at 6 months16 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.No pain reported at 6 months64 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.Pain reported at 6 months21 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain at Follow-up With Wide Opening, or Pain in the Temple, Jaw Joint or Jaw Muscles.No pain reported at 6 months62 Participants
Secondary

Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.

Subjects will report any change in jaw pain at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline using this question: How would you describe the change (if any) in your jaw pain since it started? The response options are: Much Worse (1), Slightly Worse(2), No Change(3), Slightly Better(4) or Much Better(5).

Time frame: 6 Months

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly better; self-report0 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No change in jaw pain from baseline; self-report8 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly worse; self-report1 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much worse; self-report0 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No pain reported64 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much better; self-report7 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No pain reported62 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly better; self-report4 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much worse; self-report0 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No change in jaw pain from baseline; self-report8 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much better; self-report8 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly worse; self-report1 Participants
Secondary

Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.

Subjects will report any change in jaw pain at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline using this question: How would you describe the change (if any) in your jaw pain since it started? The response options are: Much Worse (1), Slightly Worse(2), No Change(3), Slightly Better(4) or Much Better(5).

Time frame: 1 Month

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much better; self-report19 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly better; self-report4 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No change in jaw pain from baseline; self-report2 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly worse; self-report0 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much worse; self-report1 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No jaw pain reported54 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much worse; self-report1 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much better; self-report16 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly worse; self-report1 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly better; self-report7 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No jaw pain reported53 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No change in jaw pain from baseline; self-report7 Participants
Secondary

Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.

Subjects will report any change in jaw pain at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline using this question: How would you describe the change (if any) in your jaw pain since it started? The response options are: Much Worse (1), Slightly Worse(2), No Change(3), Slightly Better(4) or Much Better(5).

Time frame: 3 Months

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much better; self-report8 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly better; self-report3 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No change in jaw pain from baseline; self-report5 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly worse; self-report1 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much worse; self-report0 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No pain reported60 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much worse; self-report1 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline much better; self-report9 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly worse; self-report2 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.Change in jaw pain from baseline slightly better; self-report4 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No pain reported63 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Change in Jaw Pain at Follow-up Using Self-report.No change in jaw pain from baseline; self-report5 Participants
Secondary

Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).

Subjects will compete at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline the reliable and valid Characteristic Pain Index (CPI) that measures pain intensity. It is comprised of 3 items assessed using numerical rating scales (0-10): current pain, worst pain and average pain. The final score is the average of these 3 items x 10. The CPI is part of the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS).

Time frame: 1 Month

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Usual Care (UC)Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).8.2 score on a scaleStandard Error 1.8
Experimental Care (EC)Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).10.2 score on a scaleStandard Error 1.8
Secondary

Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).

Subjects will compete at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline the reliable and valid Characteristic Pain Index (CPI) that measures pain intensity. It is comprised of 3 items assessed using numerical rating scales (0-10): current pain, worst pain and average pain. The final score is the average of these 3 items x 10. The CPI is part of the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS).

Time frame: 3 Months

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Usual Care (UC)Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).3.6 score on a scaleStandard Error 1.4
Experimental Care (EC)Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).5.5 score on a scaleStandard Error 1.3
Secondary

Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).

Subjects will compete at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline the reliable and valid Characteristic Pain Index (CPI) that measures pain intensity. It is comprised of 3 items assessed using numerical rating scales (0-10): current pain, worst pain and average pain. The final score is the average of these 3 items x 10. The CPI is part of the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS).

Time frame: 6 Months

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Usual Care (UC)Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).2.5 score on a scaleStandard Error 1.1
Experimental Care (EC)Intensity of Pain at Follow-up Using the Characteristic Pain Index (CPI).4.9 score on a scaleStandard Error 1
Secondary

Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.

The occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline will be measured using the reliable and valid TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire. This subject self-report measure is comprised of 3 questions assessing the duration of TMD pain, presence of jaw pain or stiffness upon awakening, and activities that change TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline is positive for the presence of TMD pain per the TMD Pain Screener.

Time frame: 6 Months

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.Pain reported at 6 months6 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.No pain reported at 6 months74 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.Pain reported at 6 months5 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.No pain reported at 6 months75 Participants
Secondary

Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.

The occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline will be measured using the reliable and valid TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire. This subject self-report measure is comprised of 3 questions assessing the duration of TMD pain, presence of jaw pain or stiffness upon awakening, and activities that change TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline is positive for the presence of TMD pain per the TMD Pain Screener.

Time frame: 1 Month

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.Pain reported at 1 month17 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.No pain reported at 1 month62 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.Pain reported at 1 month18 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.No pain reported at 1 month65 Participants
Secondary

Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.

The occurrence of TMD pain post-baseline will be measured using the reliable and valid TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire. This subject self-report measure is comprised of 3 questions assessing the duration of TMD pain, presence of jaw pain or stiffness upon awakening, and activities that change TMD pain. TMD pain is deemed to have occurred if the subject's self report at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline is positive for the presence of TMD pain per the TMD Pain Screener.

Time frame: 3 months

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.Pain reported at 3 months7 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.No pain reported at 3 months71 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.Pain reported at 3 months8 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of Pain Related TMD at Follow-up Using the TMD Pain Screener Questionnaire.No pain reported at 3 months74 Participants
Secondary

Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.

TMJ noise is deemed to have occurred at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline if the subject's self report endorses the question: Have you had any clicking or popping in your jaw joints?

Time frame: 1 Month

Population: The flow chart numbers for the overall study indicate participants' completion as reported for the primary outcome. The numbers represented here indicate that all participants randomized into the study did not complete all of the questions to calculate this secondary outcome measure.

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.TMJ noise reported at 1 month5 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.No TMJ noise reported at 1 month74 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.TMJ noise reported at 1 month12 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.No TMJ noise reported at 1 month73 Participants
Secondary

Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.

TMJ noise is deemed to have occurred at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline if the subject's self report endorses the question: Have you had any clicking or popping in your jaw joints?

Time frame: 3 Months

Population: The flow chart numbers for the overall study indicate participants' completion as reported for the primary outcome. The numbers represented here indicate that all participants randomized into the study did not complete all of the questions to calculate this secondary outcome measure.

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.TMJ noise reported at 3 months9 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.No TMJ noise reported at 3 months68 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.TMJ noise reported at 3 months12 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.No TMJ noise reported at 3 months70 Participants
Secondary

Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.

TMJ noise is deemed to have occurred at 1, 3 or 6 months post-baseline if the subject's self report endorses the question: Have you had any clicking or popping in your jaw joints?

Time frame: 6 Months

Population: The flow chart numbers for the overall study indicate participants' completion as reported for the primary outcome. The numbers represented here indicate that all participants randomized into the study did not complete all of the questions to calculate this secondary outcome measure.

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.TMJ noise reported at 6 months12 Participants
Usual Care (UC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.No TMJ noise reported at 6 months67 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.TMJ noise reported at 6 months15 Participants
Experimental Care (EC)Occurrence of TMJ Noise at Follow-up Using Self Report.No TMJ noise reported at 6 months68 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026