September 25, 2013

Splint Therapy



Just published:  a systematic review of 1,567 published randomized controlled trials in which investigators compared the effectiveness of splint therapy with that of minimal or no treatment in patients with temporomandibular disorders.  Of all of the studies reviewed, 11 proved eligible as being objective for evaluating the effectiveness of splint therapy in TMD patients.  They found:  moderate-quality evidence suggests splint therapy reduced pain.  Low to very low quality evidence showed  no significant differences  between the splint therapy and control groups in terms of  quality of life or depression.  None of the trial reports described effect on function.  Conclusions:  although overall results are promising for the reduction of pain, establishing the role of splints for patients with TMDs will require large trials with stronger safeguards against bias.  

Source:  JADA,August, 2012    

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

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