Temporomandibular pain: clinical presentation and time of response to non surgical intervention in a secondary health institution

Abstract

Objectives: Pattern of clinical presentation of pain in orofacial region of non odontogenic origin and time of response to non-surgical intervention.

Methods:  A prospective study of patients who presented with pain affecting the joint and muscles of mastication in which tenderness was elicited in the orofacial region on clinical examination from May 2010 to May 2018. Exclusion criteria were any history of trauma, post- operative dental procedure and degenerative diseases. Data used for study were: age, gender, presenting complaint, sites, co-morbidity and response to treatment.

Results: A total of 30 patients met the inclusion criterion. Majority, 67% (20) were males and 33% (10) females. Age range was between 15 -70years with majority 23% (7) in the 31-40 age group, least affected 10% (3) were in 11-20 age group. Presenting complaint as Jaw pain accounted for 70% (21) while ear ache and difficulty in mouth opening were 3% (1) each. 53% (16) complained of pain from the left jaw, 47% (14) from the right. 20% (6) and 17% (5) admitted they were being managed for hypertension and peptic ulcer disease respectively. 43% (13) had parafunctional habits, where 33% (10) had habits such as clenching/grinding and 10% (3) rested their jaws on the hand. Majority 90% (27) were managed conservatively out of which 70% (19) were given medication once while follow up medication was up to three times for 19% (5). 10% (3) were referred.

Conclusion: Temporomandibular pain has diverse clinical presentations and majority received relief in the first week of intervention.