Statistical evaluation of the frequency of therapeutic and diagnostic devices used by prosthetic dentists for pathology of the temporomandibular joint

BACKGROUND: Occlusal splints are commonly used for treating myofascial and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The success of their application depends on the knowledge of prosthetic dentists regarding TMJ disorders, device type used, splint manufacture method, treatment duration, and other factors.

AIM: This study aimed to explore various approaches of prosthetic dentists to the diagnosis of myofascial disorders, bruxism, and TMG disorders and evaluate the methods of therapy used in clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey and questionnaire was conducted among orthopedic dentists in the city of Voronezh working in private or state dental organizations, on the topic “Pathology of the temporomandibular joint and methods of therapy”. The question list consisting of 15 questions was developed for statistical evaluation of therapeutic and diagnostic constructions used by prosthetic dentists in their clinical practice in cases related to the pathology of the TMJ. During this study, specially designed questionnaires were filled out. Furthermore, the conversation with each participant was conducted for a direct analysis of orthopedic measures of TMJ disorders.

To analyze the obtained values, the criterion χ² or Pearson’s criterion of agreement, Fisher’s exact criterion, and Kramer’s V criterion were used. The confidence interval was set to 95%.

RESULTS: Among the surveyed doctors, 78 (65.0%) had more than 15 years of experience, 27 (22.5%) had 5–15 years of experience, and 15 (12.5%) had less than 5 years of experience. When using a single-sample binomial criterion, the number of doctors working in different institutions significantly differed (p <0.001). Thus, majority of the surveyed doctors (n=102; 85%) worked in state-funded clinics and the remaining (n=18; 15%) in private clinics (p <0.001). Moreover, 25 respondents (20.8%) claimed that they do not use tires in their practice, whereas the remaining 95 (79.2%) do.

CONCLUSIONS: The participation of prosthetic dentists in this study demonstrated their high interest in “Pathology of the temporomandibular joint and methods of therapy”. The results of the survey indicate a change in the level of dentists’ knowledge with increasing professional experience. The methods of therapy used by the study participants considerably differ and often do not comply with the basic recommendations of the Dental Association of Russia.