Exploring the Relationship Between Occlusion and Degenerative TMJ Disorders: A Comparative Clinical Study

King Khalid University

Status: Completed

Conditions: TMD; Degenerative Joint Disease

Treatments: Other: Routine TMJ Care (Medication Only); Other: Conventional TMJ Therapy; Device: Occlusal Splint and Bite Correction Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06948682

ECC#2024-08

Details and patient eligibility

About

The study "Exploring the Relationship Between Occlusion and Degenerative TMJ Disorders: A Comparative Clinical Study" investigated the efficacy of occlusal therapy in managing degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Conducted over 6 months with 150 patients, it compared three groups: occlusal therapy (Group 1), conventional treatment (Group 2), and routine care (Group 3). Group 1 showed significant improvements, including a 65% pain reduction, 51% better jaw function, slower joint degeneration, 64% less muscle tension, 24% improved jaw mobility, and enhanced quality of life, outperforming the other groups. The findings support occlusal therapy's role in multidisciplinary TMJ management, though long-term studies are needed.

Enrollment: 150 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 to 65 years

Clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, confirmed by:

Radiographic evidence (e.g., cartilage thinning, joint space narrowing)

Symptoms such as jaw pain, restricted jaw movement, or muscle tension

Ability to provide written informed consent

No recent trauma to the TMJ or oral structures

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune joint conditions

Serious cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic disorders

Pregnant women

Patients with contraindications for orthodontic procedures or occlusal splint use

History of TMJ surgery

Uncontrolled bruxism or other parafunctional habits that require alternative treatment strategies

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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150 participants in 3 patient groups

Occlusal Treatment Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive occlusal treatment, including bite correction procedures and the use of occlusal splints, for a duration of 6 months. Monthly follow-ups will be conducted to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

Treatment:

Device: Occlusal Splint and Bite Correction Therapy

Other: Routine TMJ Care (Medication Only)

Conventional Treatment Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive conventional TMJ therapy, including physical therapy, lifestyle modification counseling, and anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment is administered over 6 months with monthly clinical evaluations.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional TMJ Therapy

Standard Care Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive routine TMJ care involving only analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication as needed. No occlusal or physical therapy will be provided. Follow-up is conducted monthly for 6 months to assess standard care outcomes.