Changes in temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction after surgical correction of dentofacial anomalies

20 patients with dentofacial anomalies were investigated with respect to signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction, which was a common reason for requesting treatment. After surgical correction of the malocclusions, the patients were re-examined 1 week after removal of intermaxillary fixation (IMF), 6 months after surgery and, finally, after 1 to 2 1/2 years. Several of the patients complained of recurrent headaches before surgery and also reported several other subjective symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction. At final control, a statistically significant reduction in headache frequency, as well as for the anamnestic dysfunction index as a whole, was noted. An impairment of clinical signs of temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction was noted 1 week after removal of IMF, but the situation then returned to that found preoperatively. At final control, a statistically significant reduction of the clinical dysfunction index used was noted. In line with other previous investigations, the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic result of the treatment. A statistically significant increase in number of occluding pairs of teeth was recorded postoperatively and the patients reported an improvement of chewing ability. It is concluded that surgical correction of dentofacial anomalies has a beneficial effect not only on aesthetic and dental occlusion but also upon signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction.