Pressure Algometry Evaluation of Two Occlusal Splint Designs in Bruxism Management-Randomized, Controlled Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Sleep Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Bruxism, characterized by teeth grinding, affects patient quality of life.
• Occlusal devices are commonly used to manage bruxism.
• Limited data exists on the comparative effectiveness of different occlusal splints for bruxism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of two occlusal devices for bruxism.
• To assess the impact of these devices on pressure pain threshold (PPT) values.
• To compare canine guidance versus no guidance occlusal splints in managing bruxism.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving patients diagnosed with probable bruxism.
• Randomized assignment to two groups, each using a different occlusal splint (Okeson or bimaxillary) for 30 days.
• Pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements taken before and after the 30-day intervention using a Wagner Paintest FPX 25 algometer.

Main Results:

• Both occlusal devices demonstrated similar effectiveness in reducing the pain factor.
• Canine guidance and no guidance splints showed comparable efficacy in enhancing pain resilience.
• No significant difference in pain reduction was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Both evaluated occlusal devices appear to be similarly effective for short-term bruxism management.
• Canine guidance and no guidance occlusal splints offer comparable benefits in improving pain tolerance.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.