This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing splint therapy with or without enhanced doctor-patient communication in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The study compared treatment approaches to determine their impact on patient satisfaction and clinical results.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are prevalent conditions characterized by jaw pain, functional limitations, and psychological distress. This study investigated the impact of splint therapy combined with enhanced doctor-patient communication on psychological well-being and clinical outcomes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive standard splint therapy or splint therapy with additional doctor-patient communication strategies. The primary outcomes include clinical and psychological status improvements, measured over six months, and patient satisfaction, assessed over a one-year period. The results aimed to provide insights into optimizing treatment strategies for TMD patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
435
A structured communication protocol aimed at improving doctor-patient interaction and treatment adherence.
A custom-fitted occlusal splint designed to alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University
Al Mansurah, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
Change in Depression, Anxiety, and Stress levels
Depression, anxiety, and stress levels was measured using the 10-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-10) at baseline and after six months of therapy. The DASS-10 comprises 10 items, each rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 ("Did not apply to me at all") to 3 ("Applied to me very much or most of the time"). * Minimum value: 0 * Maximum value: 30 * Interpretation: Higher scores indicate worse psychological outcomes.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months.
Change in Interincisal Mouth Opening
Maximum interincisal mouth opening was measured at baseline and after six months of therapy using a calibrated caliper.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months.
Change in Intra-articular pain (IAP)
Intra-articular pain was assessed at baseline and after six months using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity. The scale ranged from 0 to 10, where: * Minimum value: 0 (No pain) * Maximum value: 10 (Worst possible pain).
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months.
Change in Joint Sound Presence and Characteristics
Joint Sounds were measured in scores from 0 to 5, where 0 = no joint sound, 1 = Joint noise on occasion, 2 = palpable clicking, 3 = audible clicking, 4 = absence of previous clicking (closed lock), and 5 = crepitation. Assessment of the presence and characteristics of joint sounds was performed at baseline and after six months of therapy.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months.
Change in Masticatory Muscle Pain Intensity
Pain intensity in the masticatory muscles (e.g., masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid) was assessed by palpation at specific points, which uses a pain scale from zero to three (0: pressure only; 1: mild pain; 2: moderate pain; 3: severe pain). Pain assisted by palpation pressure (1kg pressure for 5sec) as defined in DC/TMD.
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Time frame: Baseline to 6 months.
Patient Satisfaction with Treatment
Each patient was evaluated at 6 and 12 months after intervention. The patient satisfaction questionnaire comprised two questions assessed using a 10-point Likert scale (1 = extremely dissatisfied to 10 = perfect/strongly satisfied). * Overall satisfaction with the clinical result of the treatment. * Satisfaction with the fulfillment of postoperative expectations.
Time frame: From 6 months to 1-year post-intervention.