Goteiras

: efetividade e aplicação clínica na consulta de oclusão e dor orofacial da clínica Universitária Católica Portuguesa

Abstract

Introduction: Occlusal splints are used to decrease symtomatology associated with clinical situations like temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and parafunctional habits, such as bruxism. It is important that dentists are able to do a correct diagnosis of different disorders and apply correct treatment plan with the right kind of occlusal splint. Objectives: This study pretends to do a descriptive analysis of occlusal splint executed in the University Clinic of the Catholic University of Portugal. The study pretends to identify the pathology and evaluate the efficacy of treatment with occlusal splint in reduction of signs and symptoms of these disorders. Methodology: Two groups of patients were selected, an experimental group – 20 patients with occlusal splints and a control group – 20 patients without occlusal splints. An evaluation, with the RDC/TMD indice, was conducted on the groups to diagnose and examine the presence of signs and symptoms of the pathology. The data collected was analyzed statistically using Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, according to the sample size. Results: Significant results were found between use of occlusal splints and presence/absence of pain in both the experimental group (6 males and 14 females with mean age of 36.15 years) and the control group (4 males and 16 females with mean age of 28.55 years). 65% of patients from the experimental group did not refer of spontaneous pain while 80% of patients from the control group experienced symptoms. A significant association was also found between the use of occlusal splints and diagnosis of pathology associated, and that 55% of the splints studied belonged to patients with bruxism. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, namely regards to the limited sample size, it is possible to observe that patients with occlusal splints presented a reduction of symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and bruxism.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Octávio Ribeiro (Supervisor) & André Correia (Supervisor)