Long-term results of treatment for temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction

The frequency and severity of functional disturbances of the masticatory system were studied in 154 women 7 years after treatment for TMJ pain-dysfunction at the Department of Stomatognathic Physiology, University of Göteborg, Sweden. The results of the 7-year examination were compared with records made prior to treatment. There was a significant reduction of both reported symptoms and clinical signs of dysfunction at 7 years. Although less severe than at the initial examination, clicking of the TMJ and slight muscle tenderness to palpation were the most common clinical findings at 7 years. Eighty-four percent of patients reported that treatment received had resulted in reduction of symptoms. During the 7-year period, 80% of patients had few or no symptoms. Recurrent symptoms of some significance were found in less than 20% of patients, and 14% had returned for further treatment during the 7-year period. It can be concluded that most patients with TMJ pain-dysfunction have minimal recurrent symptoms 7 years after conservative treatment procedures. This indicates that a favorable prognosis may be considered for TMJ pain-dysfunction. This favorable prognosis should be emphasized to patients prior to treatment, as optimistic counseling has been shown to have a favorable effect on patient response to treatment.