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Temporomandibular joint disorders in patients referred for third molar extraction
Author(s) -
DeAngelis AF,
Chambers IG,
Hall GM
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2009.01157.x
Subject(s) - medicine , molar , temporomandibular joint , dentistry , mandibular third molar , joint pain , signs and symptoms , research diagnostic criteria , orthodontics , physical therapy , chronic pain
Background: Third molar removal has been implicated as a precipitating event for temporomandibular joint disorders. The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of patients had pre‐existing pain and dysfunction that could be attributed to the temporomandibular joints. Methods: Sixty patients referred for third molar removal were clinically examined and a history of their presenting complaint recorded at the initial consultation visit. Patients were then diagnosed and categorized. Results: Of the total number of patients examined, 13.3 per cent showed signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction while a further 23.3 per cent also had symptomatic third molar teeth. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the signs of temporomandibular joint disorders are common in patients referred for third molar extractions.