Degenerative Joint Disease, TMD
Conditions
Keywords
TMD, Occlusal therapy, Degenerative joint disease, Pain management, Biomechanical stress
Brief summary
The study Exploring the Relationship Between Occlusion and Degenerative TMJ Disorders: A Comparative Clinical Study investigated the efficacy of occlusal therapy in managing degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Conducted over 6 months with 150 patients, it compared three groups: occlusal therapy (Group 1), conventional treatment (Group 2), and routine care (Group 3). Group 1 showed significant improvements, including a 65% pain reduction, 51% better jaw function, slower joint degeneration, 64% less muscle tension, 24% improved jaw mobility, and enhanced quality of life, outperforming the other groups. The findings support occlusal therapy's role in multidisciplinary TMJ management, though long-term studies are needed.
Interventions
DEVICEOcclusal Splint and Bite Correction Therapy
Participants receive individualized occlusal therapy involving occlusal splint use and bite correction (if needed). The treatment is applied continuously over a 6-month period. Monthly follow-up visits are conducted to monitor symptoms, adjust therapy, and evaluate radiographic changes in the TMJ.
OTHERConventional TMJ Therapy
Participants undergo a 6-month conventional management program including pain medication (NSAIDs), physical therapy (jaw exercises, hot/cold therapy), and lifestyle guidance (diet modifications, stress reduction). Monthly clinical evaluations assess functional improvement and symptom reduction.
OTHERRoutine TMJ Care (Medication Only)
Participants receive standard pharmacological management for TMJ disorders (e.g., NSAIDs or analgesics) with no occlusal or physical therapy interventions. Follow-up assessments occur monthly for 6 months to monitor symptom progression and response to minimal intervention.
Sponsors
King Khalid University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
study involves three separate groups of participants receiving different interventions: Group 1: Occlusal treatment Group 2: Conventional therapy Group 3: Standard management (control) Each participant is assigned to one group only and continues in that group throughout the study. This design is characteristic of a parallel assignment, where participants in different groups receive different interventions simultaneously.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Adults aged 18 to 65 years Clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, confirmed by: Radiographic evidence (e.g., cartilage thinning, joint space narrowing) Symptoms such as jaw pain, restricted jaw movement, or muscle tension Ability to provide written informed consent No recent trauma to the TMJ or oral structures
Exclusion criteria
Diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune joint conditions Serious cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic disorders Pregnant women Patients with contraindications for orthodontic procedures or occlusal splint use History of TMJ surgery Uncontrolled bruxism or other parafunctional habits that require alternative treatment strategies
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in TMJ Pain Intensity (VAS Score) | Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months | Assessment of temporomandibular joint pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), scored from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). This outcome evaluates the effectiveness of occlusal treatment in reducing TMJ-related pain. |
| Change in Jaw Function (Jaw Function Limitation Scale - JFLS) | Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months | Measurement of jaw functionality using the JFLS, a patient-reported scale ranging from 0 (no limitation) to 20 (severe limitation). This assesses improvements in jaw movement and function following different interventions. |
| Radiographic Changes in TMJ Structure | Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months | Evaluation of TMJ degeneration using radiographic imaging (X-ray and MRI), including assessment of joint space narrowing, cartilage thinning, and subchondral bone changes. Quantitative imaging will compare structural changes across groups. |
Countries
Saudi Arabia
Outcome results
None listed