Management of bruxism associated with temporomandibular disorder: case report / Manejo do Bruxismo associado a Disfunção Temporomandibular: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Studies have found the association between episodes of bruxism and the presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the present study was to report the diagnosis and palliative therapy of bruxism associated with TMD. Patient, 23 years old, male gender, presented at dental clinic, complaining of pain in the temporomandibular joint on the left side and alteration of the form of the anterior teeth. During the anamnesis it was documented that this symptom was recurrent and reported the habit of grinding teeth. The clinical examination observed discrepancy between the centric relation and the maximum habitual intercuspation, unsatisfactory protrusive guide, presence of wear facets, clicking and mandibular deviation during mouth opening. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC / TMD) questionnaire was applied to diagnose TMD. By means of specific algorithms this disorder was classified as myofascial pain, disc displacement with reduction and osteoarthritis, all affecting the left side. Thus, it was proposed the assembly of the models in semi-adjustable articulator for occlusal mapping and waxing diagnosis, then the occlusal adjustment by selective wear and material addition was executed. After this procedure, the occlusal splint was installed as a palliative therapy for bruxism. This case report suggests that the dental approach by means of occlusal adjustment and occlusal splint, in a patient diagnosed with bruxism and temporomandibular disorder, reduces the signs and symptoms that affect the components of the Stomatognathic System.

RESUMO Estudos tem encontrado a associação entre os episódios de bruxismo e a presença dos sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). O objetivo do presente trabalho foi relatar o diagnóstico e terapia paliativa do bruxismo associado à DTM. Paciente, 23 anos, gênero masculino, apresentou-se à clínica odontológica, queixando-se de dor na articulação temporomandibular do lado esquerdo e alteração da forma dos dentes anteriores. Durante a anamnese foi documentado que esse sintoma era recorrente e relatado o hábito de ranger os elementos dentais. No exame clínico observou-se discrepância entre relação cêntrica e máxima intercuspidação habitual, guia protrusiva insatisfatória, presença de facetas de desgaste, estalido e desvio mandibular durante o movimento de abertura bucal. O questionário Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) foi aplicado para diagnosticar a DTM. Por meio de algoritmos específicos essa desordem foi classificada como dor miofascial, deslocamento de disco com redução e osteoartrite, todos acometendo o lado esquerdo. Desta forma, foi proposto a montagem dos modelos em articulador semi-ajustável para mapeamento oclusal e enceramento diagnóstico. Em seguida o ajuste oclusal por desgaste seletivo e acréscimo de material foi executado. Finalizado esse procedimento, a placa estabilizadora da oclusão foi instalada como terapia paliativa para o bruxismo. Esse relato de caso sugere que a abordagem odontológica por meio do ajuste oclusal e placa oclusal, em paciente diagnosticado com bruxismo e disfunção temporomandibular, reduz os sinais e sintomas que afetam os componentes do Aparelho Estomatognático.

Head and neck cancer therapy-related oral manifestation management in the COVID-19 pandemic: a critical review

Abstract With the onset of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the dental treatment of patients at risk of infection has become quite challenging. In view of this, patients with head and neck cancer may present with oral complications due to anticancer therapy, making dental assistance necessary. Thus, the objective of the study was to review the literature and critically discuss important concerns about the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because dental professionals are in close contact with the main viral transmission routes, this study presents recommendations for management and protection during clinical dental care. The main characteristics and transmission routes of COVID-19 are also discussed. Dental professionals should control pain and the side effects of antineoplastic treatment and use preventive measures for infection control. During this pandemic, patients with head and neck cancer should not undergo elective procedures, even if they do not have symptoms or a history of COVID-19; therefore, in asymptomatic or painless cases, only preventive actions are recommended. In symptomatic or painful cases, precautions for safe interventional treatments must be implemented by following the hygiene measures recommended by health agencies and using personal protective equipment. During health crises, new protocols emerge for cancer treatment, and professionals must act with greater attention toward biosafety and updated knowledge. It is important to offer adequate individualized treatment based on the recommendations of preventative and interventional treatments so that patients can face this difficult period with optimized quality of life.