Evaluation of incidence of clicking in patients at risk for Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is a heterogeneous group of pathologies affecting the temporomandibular joints, the masticatory muscles or both. It has been widely assumed that clicking is the first sign of future TMD. Lately however, the aetiology and need for treatment of clicking have been controversial. It is not known whether clicking sounds indicate a harmless condition or whether they are pathognomonic of this condition.

To evaluate the incidence of clicking in patients at risk for TMD.

To verify the role of clicking as an initial onset symptom in patients at risk for future TMD.

50 subjects with clicking sounds were chosen for this cross-sectional study from the out-patient department of Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences & Hospital. Each subject was then given a questionnaire in an effort to elicit history of trauma, parafunctional habits, occlusal discrepancies, traumatic extractions or any other factors which may put the subject at a risk for future TMD. A relation was established between subjects with clicking and a positive history and subjects with clicking and a negative history.

35 subjects out of the selected sample pool of 50, which accounted for about 70% of the cases chosen, have been found to have a positive relation between clicking sounds and the various etiological events which may lead to the development of future TMD. Whereas, only 30% of the subjects showed a negative relation.

We suggest that clicking sounds can be considered as the first sign in patients at risk for future TMD and also advise a conservative treatment for the same.