Analysis of the significance of risk factors in the development of temporomandibular joint dysfunction pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To perform a statistical evaluation of clinical and anamnestic indicators in patients presenting with functional disturbances of the masticatory system, accompanied by occlusal and articulatory abnormalities, both in the presence and absence of pain symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients with occlusal disturbances underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation followed by orthopedic treatment. Among them, 90 individuals exhibited functional disorders of the masticatory system without associated pain symptoms (comparison group), while the remaining 60 patients (main group) presented with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction accompanied by pain. RESULTS: Results: The analysis revealed a significant etiological association between the development of TMJ dysfunction pain syndrome and several clinical factors: functionally stable and marked mandibular displacement (p = 0.000); increased masticatory muscle tone with hypertrophy (p = 0.000); non-stable occlusion (p = 0.000); a reduction of interalveolar height (p = 0.017); pronounced advanced attritional wear of the occlusal surfaces (p = 0.039); presence of audible TMJ sounds, including clicking and crepitus during mandibular movement (p = 0.548); reduced range of mouth opening (p = 0.004); and the use of direct or indirect restorations with inadequately reproduced occlusal morphology (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The prognostic models developed in the course of this study may be utilized as indicators for identifying the risk of TMJ dysfunction-related pain during the planning phase of orthopedic treatment.