Management of post-treatment exacerbated temperomandibular disorder

The patient returning to the clinic with a restricted mouth opening after dental treatment is common in dental practice. An extended, wide mouth opening during the dental treatment is known to exacerbate the underlying temperomandibular disorders (TMDs). Subclinical TMD is prevalent among a large number of people in the society. It is advisable in the interest of patients as well as the treating dentist for routine examination of temperomandibular joint and recording TMD history before initiating dental treatment. Adequate knowledge and skill of the dentist is required to identify the causative factors and initiate appropriate treatment. This case report explains the stabilising occlusal splint therapy to treat the restricted mouth opening in chronic centrally mediated myalgia flared up due to extended dental treatment.