Methods: The study population was comprised of 16-22 year olds (N=766) who had one or more third molars present, and had never had prior third molar removal. The patients were recruited from general dentists participating in the Northwest PRECEDENT network. At enrollment, patients completed a short standardized questionnaire, which was followed by a brief clinical exam assessing the TMJ. Kappa statistics were used to measure agreement between DCA and PSR.
Results: DCA indicated pain in temples, jaw joints or jaw muscles in 39 patients (5.1%). The number indicated by PSR was similar (45 patients, 5.9%). However, in only 18 patients did the dentist and patient both indicate pain. Kappa was 0.40. Pain on opening was reported by DCA for 33 patients (4.3%) and by PSR for 43 patients (5.6%). In 14 patients, a positive response was recorded by both the patient and dentist, resulting in a Kappa of 0.34. Clicking or popping was reported for 156 (20%) patients by both PSR and DCA, with positive reports agreeing for 110 (14%) patients, Kappa=0.63.
Conclusions: Agreements between DCA and PSR for pain-related TMJ symptoms were low to moderate. Agreement was more substantial for clicking or popping.
Supported by NIDCR grants DE016750 and DE016752.