Introduction: Disc Displacement (DD) is a derangement in the normal relationship between the articluar disc and the condyle of the Temporo Mandibular Joint. The etiology of DD is multi-factorial. Objectives: 1. To investigate if DD is a progressive disorder.2. To examine the influence of destructive parafunctional habits and the impact of treatments provided.
Method: A retrospective study was undertaken examining patients diagnosed as Disc Displacement with Reduction (DDwR) according to RDC/TMD at least one year before this study. By means of a telephonic questionnaire follow up, oral habits and symptoms of DD were investigated and compared to original documentation. A total of 106 patients fitting the study criteria were included in this study, with ages ranging from 18 to 69.
Results: At the time of diagnosis all patients suffered from DDwR. At telephone interview 86% had clicking sounds, and disappeared in 17%. Regarding the frequency of clicking sounds, 58% experienced improvement, and 42% did not, these results were statistically non-significant. In regards to intermittent locking, 67% did not experience this, and of the remaining patients, 3% experienced an increase. Furthermore, patients who don't performed nail biting had a decrease in frequency of clicking sounds (p<.01). as well as those patients that used to bite on hard objects (p<.05). An inverse correlation was found between the reported pain and clicking sounds (p<.05). None of the patients in this study experienced closed lock.
Conclusion: 1. DD is not a progressive disorder. 2. Oral habits only assumed to cause progression of DD from clicking.3 .It has not been shown that conservative treatment (stabilization appliances, physiotherapy) is effective in the treatment of DD. 4. An inverse correlation exists between pain, and frequency of clicking sounds.