Comprehensive protocol for diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction: a clinical case

   Background. The overall prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is 40–70 % of the global population, according to the World Health Organization. Limited mouth opening as a symptom of TMJ dysfunction remains one of the most significant in modern dental practice. Digital technologies offer new opportunities for accurate functional diagnostics and treatment planning.

   Objective. To present a clinical observation and evaluate the effectiveness of digital diagnostic and treatment methods in a patient with acute TMJ dysfunction that developed following a prolonged third molar extraction.

   Materials and methods. A 26-year-old patient was treated. His medical history included a prolonged extraction of a lower right third molar, followed by several years of discomfort in the right TMJ region. The acute condition was triggered by wide mouth opening (yawning), which resulted in blocked jaw movement, pain, and spasm of the masticatory muscles. The clinic implemented a comprehensive set of treatment and diagnostic procedures using digital methods: digital jaw impressions, functional diagnostics, determination of the optimal mandibular position with verification of the position of the condylar heads using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), orthodontic treatment, and subsequent permanent prosthetics.

   Results. The developed digital diagnostic algorithm enabled timely identification of the causes of TMJ dysfunction, continuous monitoring of treatment progress, and determination of the optimal strategy tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Following treatment, pain relief, increased mouth opening range, and normalization of masticatory muscle tone were noted.

   Conclusions. The use of digital technologies in the rehabilitation of patients with TMJ dysfunction increases the chances of successful completion of the recovery period and contributes to the achievement of stable long-term treatment results.

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