Temporomandibular joint disorder therapy: A review

Abstract

Aims: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are one of the most prevalent disorders in maxillofacial area. Due to lack of understanding of the etiology or pathogenesis of TMD and a definitive diagnostic or therapeutic approach, patients have to tolerate symptoms such as pain. This study was aimed to perform a review of non-surgical treatment methods for TMD. Materials and Methods: In this review, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, SID, ISI Web of Science, SID and IranMedex databases were searched using key terms: temporomandibular disorders, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular pain, non-surgical treatment. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. Finally, a total of 63 prospective clinical trials were evaluated from 2015 to 2020. Results: From the 61 studies evaluated, 27 studies were on low-level laser therapy (LLLT), 13 studies on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), 5 studies on acupuncture and dry needling, 1 study on laser acupuncture, 9 studies on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and 6 studies on Botox injection. Conclusion: Laser acupuncture had similar treatment effects in reducing pain to TENS, low-level laser, acupuncture and dry needling. It seems that the use of laser acupuncture is safer than other methods in decreasing pain of patients with TMD.

Keywords

• Temporomandibular disorders; Low-level laser; Acupuncture; Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; Botox.