[Complex prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with temporomandibular dysfunction. Case report]

There are varying opinions regarding the contribution of occlusal interferences to the development and progression of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Several studies have demonstrated that the use of occlusal adjustment might prevent the development of TMD and the exacerbation of its symptoms. Since the aetiology of TMD is multiple, the prosthodontic treatment cannot always be sufficient, but tends to be effective in some cases. The present article describes a case of a complex prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with TMD that originates from her previous prosthesis, resulting in reduced vertical dimension. Treatment included the registration of vertical and horizontal dimensions of occlusion by gothic arch (arrow-point) tracing. Degrees of the mandibular movement were recorded by digital axiograph (ARCUSdigma-KaVo) and transferred to a semi-adjustable articulator (KaVo Protar 5B). Appropriate vertical and horizontal occlusal dimensions and individual mandibular movements were then transferred to the final prosthesis.