Systematic Analysis Of Use Of Occlusal Splints In Temporomandibular Disorder Management

Research Article
Karthik, V.C., Ramesh, A.S., Venkatesan, N and Lakshmi Devi
DOI: 
xxx-xxxxx-xxxx
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
-
Abstract: 

Aims & Objectives: This systematic review evaluates efficacy of occlusal splints in temporomandibular disorder management. Methods & Materials: The following databases were searched for analysis of use of occlusal splints in temporomandibular disorder management. MEDLINE (pubmed), Embase, and Google scholar. Reference lists of articles were also searched. Results: This systematic review evaluated 16 studies with stabilization splints in which 668 sample sizes were used, 2 studies with anterior repositioning splints in which 30 sample sizes were used, 5 studies with soft splints in which 60 sample sizes were used, 3 studies by invasive methods in which 19 sample sizes were used, 4 studies by multifaceted approach and 7 comparative studies. Conclusion: A proper examination and differential diagnosis is necessary to lead to a decision regarding the appropriate role of splint therapy for each problem. The clinicians should be better equipped to successfully implement splint therapy into their armamentarium of treatment options in managing masticatory system disorders.