Non-carious lesions in patients treated for functional temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Introduction. Numerous clinical symptoms found in patients with temporomandibular disorders include non-carious lesions, such as V-shaped lesions, wear facets, enamel cracks, and impressions on the tongue or changes in the buccal mucosa. In addition, loosening and dislocation of teeth may occur. Aim. The aim of the study was to obtain a clinical assessment of the prevalence and severity of non-carious lesions of dental hard tissues (attrition and abrasion) in patients treated for functional temporomandibular disorders. Material and methods. The clinical research was performed among 45 patients of both genders, aged 16-38 years, treated at the Department of Functional Masticatory Disorders at the Medical University of Lublin, Poland. The study group consisted of 30 patients with diagnosed temporomandibular disorders. The control group included 15 individuals with no diagnosed temporomandibular disorders. The control group was selected using the method of analogues (considering age, gender and dental status). The examinations were performed before the treatment and twelve weeks after its beginning. Results. The study found significantly higher values of the prevalence and severity of attrition in the patients group, in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). In the case of abrasion, higher values of the studied variables of prevalence and severity of lesions in the patients, compared to controls, were also found, but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Attrition occurs more frequently and is more severe in patients with diagnosed temporomandibular disorders than in those without such diagnosis. However, no significant differences have been found in the prevalence and severity of abrasion in both groups.