Stabilization Splint Therapy in Temporomandibular Joint Anterior Disc Displacement with Reduction: a Retrospective Analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment effect of stabilization splint in patients with Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR). Study Design: This retrospective, multicentered study consists of 31 patients who have TMJ ADDwR according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria and treated with stabilization splint between the years 2009-2011. Maximum mouth opening (MMO), lateral movements, TMJ clicking (positivenegative), pain scores (0–10) at 3rd, 6th months and 1 year follow ups records were evaluated statistically with Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U-tests. Results: None of the patient reported worsening of the symptoms at the end of the treatment period relative to the baseline. Follow-up pain score was found to be significantly low with respect to preoperative pain score ( p<0.05). The number of patients with joint clicking was also significantly reduced in 3rd, 6th months follow ups. No significant improvement was observed in MMO and right and left lateral excursion in follow up periods. Conclusion: Stabilization splint therapy is a reversible and conservative treatment method that has beneficial effects in pain and joint clicking in TMJ ADDwR patients.