Assessment of the Effectiveness of Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions

Background. Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions pose a problem in terms of both diagnosis and therapy. This is due to the complex causes of the disease and numerous subjective symptoms that are difficult to assess objectively. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Material and Methods. The material comprised a group of 43 patients (including 33 women and 10 men), who had a follow-up examination (examination I) minimum 6 months following a first visit (examination 0) when temporomandibular joint dysfunctions were diagnosed and the treatment proposed. Of the 43 persons included in the follow-ups, 86% had undergone the treatment recommended during examination 0 - i.e. a total of 37 persons, including 10 men and 27 women. The examination was carried out using a clinical dysfunction index (Di) and anamnestic questionnaire devised by Helkimo. In addition, during examination I, patients answered questions from the prepared questionnaire. Results. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.00) was noted in the mean values of clinical indicator Di in examination I in relation to the values obtained during examination 0. A total number of 30 patients assessed the treatment they received positively, 3 negatively and 4 of them were not fully satisfied with the obtained results. Conclusions. The majority of patients assessed the received treatment positively, as was confirmed in the clinical status. More objective instruments for measuring the condition of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are recommended