Use of protrusive splint therapy in anterior disk displacement of the temporomandibular joint: A 1- to 3-year follow-up

Sixty-eight patients, who were determined clinically (by the presence of audible and palpable joint sounds) and arthro graphically to have meniscus displacement with reduction, had protrusive splints constructed, and the results were evaluated for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 3 years. Eighteen additional patients, arthrographically determined to have meniscus displacement with reduction, served as a nontreatment group for comparison. Odds ratios were calculated to compare the proportions of subjects who experienced follow-up symptoms on the two regimens. Results indicated that with splint therapy there was a statistically significant reduction of the intensity of jaw joint pain, temporal headache, ear pain, and pain in front of the ear, and there was a decrease in the probability of a closed lock condition developing. Splint therapy is less likely to reduce frontal headache, neck pain, and clenching of teeth.