[Symptomatology of pain-dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint]

Symptomatology of pain-dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints. The symptomatology of 135 patients treated for pain-dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of the temporomandibular joints has been described. They were divided into five dysfunction groups according to the clinical dysfunction-index of Helkimo (1976). 75,3% of the patients were females, especially between 25-40 years of age. Most of the patients fell into the dysfunction II and III group. 20,0% of the patients waited 0-3 months between the onset of the pain and the first demand for treatment, 41,7% waited 0-6 months. 18.0% waited even longer than 25 months to consult the dentist. Almost 40% had psychological problems. Bruxism was present in 66% and joint noises have been found in 92,0%. A deviation in the openings movement occured in 55%, a reduction of the lateral movement has been observed in 38%. No correlation could be found between the dysfunction index and the number of occluding pairs of molars (r = .03) or premolars and molars combined (r = .20). This was also the case for all other anamnestic and occlusal parameters except for the occurrence of premature contacts on the balancing side. The fact is stressed that the etiology of PDS is multifactorial.