Effect of occlusal splint on temporomandibular joint symptomatology

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate clinically the response of Temporo-mandibular symptomatology using hard occlusal splint when they are used in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders. Patient with full dentition of age group 25–35 years presented with pain, restricted mouth opening are considered. A total of ten patients are considered in the study group, and given the occlusal splint as a treatment modality. Pain assessment was done by visual analog scale. The initial mean observable total pain which were included in the study was 2.60 before treatment of splint therapy, but after the splint treatment of the same patient the total observable pain score was 0.20. A significant increase in the inter incisal distance of 4.2mm was achieved, thus showing increase in mouth opening after splint therapy.From the study it was observed that, clinical response was good to study group presented with pain and limited mouth opening, Initially being severe was better compared with three month treatment with hard Occlusal splint.