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Effectiveness of an intraoral thermoformed splint with magnet device in patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation: A pilot study
Author(s) -
Dakovic Dragana,
Mladenovic Rasa,
Ristic Ljubisa,
Jevtovic Radoslav,
Videnovic Nebojsa,
Bukumiric Zoran
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of oral pathology and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.887
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0714
pISSN - 0904-2512
DOI - 10.1111/jop.13141
Subject(s) - medicine , thermoforming , splint (medicine) , dentistry , significant difference , prospective cohort study , orthodontics , surgery , materials science , composite material
Aim The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of intraoral thermoformed splint with a magnet device over a period of 3 months, that is, to assess acceptability of this method of treatment using both objective and self‐reported measures. Materials and methods This study was designed as a prospective clinical pilot trial. 22 patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation were included. Xerostomia was assessed using a 4‐question xerostomia questionnaire score and a test for unstimulated salivary flow rates. Evaluations were performed before the treatment and 3 months after the treatment using a thermoformed splint with a magnet device. Results There was a significant reduction in subjective symptoms after using a thermoformed splint with a magnet device for 3 months. For all 4 scored items, there was a statistically significant difference ( P < .001) in median VAS scores before and 3 months after treatment. There was also a statistically significant difference in USFR before (0,15 ± 0,04 ml/min) and after treatment (0,24 ± 0,03 mL/min). Conclusion Our findings indicate that the use of this device alleviated oral dryness and stimulated the function of the submandibular salivary gland. An intraoral thermoformed splint with a magnet device is safe, physiologically indifferent, useful, and effective in treating xerostomia and hyposalivation.