Evaluation of the efficiency of different treatment modalities in individuals with painful temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction:A randomised controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study is to investigate and compare the short and long-term effects of the occlusal splint(OS), ultrasound(US), and high-intensity laser therapy(HILT) in patients with painful temporomandibular joint(TMJ) disc displacement with reduction(DDWR). Methods This prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical study was conducted on patients with DDWR at a university s oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. Hundred and forty patients were allocated randomly to four groups (OS, US, HILT, and control), including 35 patients in one group. The patients were evaluated for pain, the range of motion of the jaw, disability, and quality of life. Results A total of one hundred and thirty-two patients completed the study. In all treatment groups (OS, US, and HILT), a significant improvement was observed in terms of pain, function, disability and quality of life at both the 4th and 12th weeks compared to the control group (p Conclusion The results of this study showed that OS, US, and HILT are effective treatment methods on pain and functional jaw movements for the treatment of patients with DDWR. HILT, a new method, can be an alternative treatment method in the treatment of TMD.