Combined Therapy for Associated Orofacial Disorders-A Challenging Case Report

Area of Science:

• Dental Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Neurology

Background:

• Lifestyle habits are crucial for health promotion and disease prevention.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can negatively impact sleep and overall well-being.
• Multidisciplinary approaches have advanced TMJ dysfunction treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case study of a patient with TMJ dysfunction.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of neuro-occlusal rehabilitation in managing TMJ dysfunction symptoms.
• To highlight the link between occlusal balance, body posture, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 37-year-old female physical educator with TMJ dysfunction, neck pain, tinnitus, and tooth tightening.
• Treatment involved inferior occlusal splint placement and selective occlusal adjustments guided by neuro-occlusal rehabilitation principles.
• Assessment of symptom relief, medication use, and perceived improvements in physical performance and sleep quality.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced significant relief from pain symptoms, including TMJ and neck pain, and tinnitus.
• Occlusal splint therapy and adjustments led to improved occlusal and body balance.
• The patient discontinued analgesic medication and reported enhanced physical performance, better sleep quality, and improved overall quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Neuro-occlusal rehabilitation, including occlusal splint therapy, can effectively manage TMJ dysfunction.
• Restoring functional balance through dental and physical interventions positively impacts patient well-being.
• Further analysis of disorder causes and effects is necessary for tailored diagnosis and treatment strategies.