Dry Needling Versus Stabilization Splint Therapy in Bruxism Associated Myofascial Temporomandibular Disorders

Kocaeli University40 enrolled

Overview

This prospective comparative clinical study included 40 patients diagnosed with myofascial TMD who met the diagnostic criteria for bruxism established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Participants were allocated into two groups according to treatment preference: stabilization splint therapy or dry needling. Maximum mouth opening (MMO), pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oral Health Impact Profile for TMD (OHIP-TMD) scores were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Bruxism Dry Needling Stabilization Splint

Interventions

A maxillary hard acrylic stabilization splint was fabricated to provide uniform occlusal contacts in centric occlusion. Patients were instructed to use the splint for at least two-thirds of the day over a period of 6 months, except during eating and oral hygiene procedures. Monthly follow-up visits were conducted for occlusal adjustments.

Dry NeedlingPROCEDURE

Dry needling was applied to the masseter and temporalis muscles using sterile acupuncture needles. The procedure targeted myofascial trigger points and was performed in three sessions at 1-week intervals. Needles were inserted into the identified نقاط and manually stimulated during each session.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged ≥18 years * Clinical presence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms (e.g., joint sounds such as clicking, and/or limited mouth opening) * Diagnosis of bruxism according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria * Moderate to severe pain in the masseter and/or temporalis muscles, defined as a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥3.5 Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of connective tissue disorders or autoimmune diseases * Current use of systemic steroids, muscle relaxants, or narcotic (opioid) medications * History of neuromuscular disorders * Previous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery * History of significant TMJ trauma * Presence of dentofacial deformities * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with study participation or outcome assessment

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain intensity (VAS)

Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Measurements were recorded at baseline and during follow-up visits to evaluate changes in pain levels over time.

Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months

Maximum mouth opening (MMO)

Maximum mouth opening (MMO) was measured in millimeters as the distance between the incisal edges of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors at maximum painless mouth opening. This parameter was used to assess functional improvement in mandibular mobility.

Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months

Secondary Outcomes

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHIP-TMD)

Oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders (OHIP-TMD), a validated patient-reported outcome measure assessing the impact of TMD on daily life and well-being.

Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months