Craniomandibular disorders & orofacial pains

Pain in the face and/or mouth can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life because it interferes with daily functions such as chewing, swallowing and speaking. Orofacial pain can be caused by a wide variety of pathological conditions. Temporomandibular disorders are the second most common cause of orofacial pain after dental pain and the most common cause of chronic orofacial pain. The term temporomandibular disorders refers to a variety of conditions that can affect the muscles of the jaw and temporomandibular joints (jaw joints).

Symptoms for which the patient usually seeks treatment include:


  • Pain in the lower jaw, ear and the area in front of the ear

  • Decreased mouth opening

  • Frequent headaches

  • Sounds from the temporomandibular joints

  • Deviation of the lower jaw from the midline when opening the mouth


  • The pain usually worsens during jaw function

    The most common treatment of orofacial pain is compression with the application of a Bruxism splint.

The Bruxism splint ( for teeth grinding and clenching ) helps to:


1. stopping the abrasion of teeth
2. improvement of breathing
3. relief from neck and shoulder pains
4. reduction of headaches
5. reduction of discomfort during sleep
6. reducing stress on the jaw joints
7. protection of natural teeth and dental work from damage caused by tooth grinding
8. reduce abrasions, fractures, and also excessive tooth wear
9. possible reduction in snoring

Treatment
1st visit :
– Taking patient history
– Clinical oral examination
– Fingerprinting on an individual tablet with imprinting material

2nd visit :
– Final fitting (the patient needs to wear the bruxism splint daily, during sleep)