The basic conservative treatment of temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement without reduction - Review

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint derangement is a common disorder of the stomatognathic system. One type of these disorders is disc displacement without reduction with limited mouth opening, characterized by pain in affected TMJ and a decreased range of mouth opening. The natural course of closed lock is self-limiting. However, if there is no significant improvement after 12 weeks of following natural course of disc displacement without reduction, this is an indication that the therapy should be implemented. The article presents a review of the most commonly applied methods of basic conservative closed lock treatment. The most commonly applied methods of closed lock conservative management are: education and counseling, mandibular manipulation, splint therapy, exercise therapy and pharmacotherapy. The first choice method of treatment should be minimally invasive. The surgical management should be considered after unsuccessful conservative therapy. All presented methods of closed lock treatment seem to be effective in decreasing pain and reestablishing physiological range of motion.