The interrelationship between dentistry and physiotherapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of interdisciplinary work between dentistry and physiotherapy as well as to determine the temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients' treatment plan. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 300 patient records from the ATM service (Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora) file. Three factors were analyzed: (1) Therapy, which were transcribed physical therapy modalities used; 2) If there were any guidelinesor procedures for home exercises without the professionals presence; 3) the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) palpation pain rates, transferred to a pain level measurements table according to visual analog scale (VAS). The Chi-square test was applied for statistical analysis with a significance level p ≤ 0.05. Results: All physiotherapy modalities used separately or mixed contributed to TMJ pain relief. Guidelines for physical therapy at home proved to be very useful to pain decreasing. Conclusion: It was concluded that the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary work in dentistry and physiotherapy treatmentsfor TMD has been properly verified. It is essential to have an interdisciplinary treatment plan, where the physical therapyhelps the pain relief and dentistry treats the disorders related to the stomatognathic system. Clinical significance: Theinterdisciplinary work between dentistry and physiotherapy is more effective in TMD treatment.