Evaluation of the Short-Term Efficacy of Transdermal Ozone Therapy in Turkish Patients with Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of transdermal high-frequency ozone therapy in the management of pain and pain-related restricted jaw movements in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 40 patients who had received transdermal high-frequency ozone therapy for the management of disc displacement with reduction of the TMJ. Subjects were treated 3 times for one week with a bio-oxidative high-frequency ozone generator with an intensity of 80% for ten minutes bilaterally.  Pain scores and maximal interincisal opening (MIO) values of the patients were evaluated before and after the treatment.  Results: An increase in the mean MIO value was achieved following the ozone therapy, however, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.350). A statistically significant decrease in the mean pain score (48.13 ± 27.75) was observed following the ozone therapy.  Conclusion: Transdermal application of high frequency ozone may be a good alternative for management of pain and pain-related restricted jaw movements in patients with internal derangement of the TMJ.