Influence of examiner calibration on clinical and mri diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disc displacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify the accuracy of clinical protocols for the diagnosis of disc displacement (DD) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), considering examiners' calibration. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane (Central), Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Embase, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and DANS EASY Archive databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened and selected the studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using the R Statistical software. Results are shown using sensitivity and specificity, and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of the 20 studies included in the systematic review, only 3 were classified as low risk of bias. Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to MRI, clinical protocols showed overall sensitivity and specificity of 0.75 (0.63-0.83) and 0.73 (0.59-0.84) for DD diagnosis, respectively. For DD with reduction, sensitivity was 0.64 (0.48-0.77) and specificity was 0.72 (0.48-0.87). For DD without reduction, sensitivity was 0.58 (0.39-0.74) and specificity 0.93 (0.83-0.97). Only 8 studies reported examiner calibration when performing clinical and/or MRI evaluation; nevertheless, calibration showed a tendency to improve the diagnosis of DD. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity and specificity of clinical protocols in the diagnosis of DD are slightly below the recommended values, as well as the studies lack calibration of clinical and MRI examiners. Examiner calibration seems to improve the diagnosis of DD.

Tomographic Planning of Dental Implants Using a Smartphone: Linear Measurements and Implant Selection-A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the accuracy of linear measurements and dental implant selection performed in a smartphone application compared to a computer software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four DICOM files from partially edentulous patients in the posterior region of the mandible were evaluated by three trained and calibrated examiners. Images were analyzed using three visualization methods: cross-sectional view (CScr) and coronal (CSco) plane using the CS 3D Imaging software, and coronal (DRco) plane using the DroidRender smartphone application. For the purpose of standardization, measurements of bone width and height were taken in the edentulous posterior region of the mandible, 10 mm posterior to the mental foramen. Dental implant selection was made according to Straumann® Standard implant catalog 2022/2023. Linear measurements were compared using the ANOVA test for repeated measurements and implant selection was compared using the Friedman test. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Linear measurements showed a statistically significant difference for bone width (p = 0.030), but not for height (p = 0.685). The choice of implant was not influenced by the visualization method (p = 0.614). CONCLUSION: It is possible to suggest the use of smartphone applications as an additional diagnostic tool for DICOM evaluation and dental implant planning in the posterior region of the mandible. Smartphone applications allow an assessment not limited to 2D images or to static environments. Therefore, information exchange and diagnostic opinion in emergency situations may be facilitated.

Pior qualidade de sono está associada à disfunção temporomandibular e hábitos parafuncionais entre estudantes e profissionais de Odontologia / La peor calidad del sueño se asocia con disfunción temporomandibular y hábitos parafuncionales en estudiantes y profesionales de Odontología / Worse sleep quality is associated with temporomandibular disorders and parafunctional habits among dental students and professionals

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre a qualidade do sono e a presença de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) e hábitos parafuncionais em estudantes e profissionais de Odontologia durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Cirurgiões-dentistas, docentes e estudantes brasileiros de graduação e pós-graduação em Odontologia responderam a um questionário virtual composto pelos seguintes instrumentos: Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, Lista de Verificação de Comportamentos Orais, Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca e questões socioeconômicas e demográficas. Os questionários foram disponibilizados online de agosto a novembro de 2020. A associação entre as variáveis preditoras e cada desfecho foi avaliada por meio da regressão de Poisson. A amostra foi composta por 449 participantes, sendo que 259 (59,5%) relataramdistúrbios do sono, 352 (78,4%) apresentavam DTM e 311 (69,3%) realizavam hábitos orais parafuncionais. Os distúrbios do sono foram associados à maior prevalência de hábitos orais parafuncionais (RP 1,61; IC 95% 1,36-1,91) e DTM (RP 1,16; IC 95% 1,04-1,29). Além disso, as mulheres apresentaram maior prevalência de DTM em relação aos homens, assim como indivíduos cuja renda era menor. Desta forma, os distúrbios do sono foram associados a hábitos orais parafuncionais e DTM em estudantes e profissionais de Odontologia durante a quarentena da COVID-19 (AU).

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la asociación entre la calidad del sueño y la presencia de disfunción temporomandibular (DTM) y hábitos parafuncionales en estudiantes y profesionales de Odontología durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Odontólogos, profesores y estudiantes brasileños de pregrado y posgrado en Odontología respondieron un cuestionario virtual compuesto por los siguientes instrumentos: Índice de Calidad de Sueño de Pittsburgh, Lista de Verificación de Comportamiento Oral, Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca y preguntas socioeconómicas y demográficas. Los cuestionarios estuvieron disponibles virtualmente de agosto a noviembre de 2020. La asociación entre las variables predictoras y cada resultado se evaluó mediante regresión de Poisson. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 449 participantes, de los cuales 259 (59,5%) refirieron trastornos del sueño, 352 (78,4%) DTM y 311 (69,3%) hábitos orales parafuncionales. Los trastornos del sueño se asociaron con una mayor prevalencia de hábitos bucales parafuncionales (RP 1,61; IC 95% 1,36-1,91) y DTM (RP 1,16; IC 95% 1,04-1,29). Además, las mujeres tenían una mayor prevalencia de DTM que los hombres, así como las personas con ingresos más bajos. Así, los trastornos del sueño se asociaron con hábitos orales parafuncionales y DTM en estudiantes y profesionales de odontología durante la cuarentena por COVID-19 (AU).

This study aimed to assess the association between sleep quality and the presence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and parafunctional habits in dental students and professionals during the COVID-19 quarantine. Brazilian dentists, professors, and dental undergraduate and graduate students answered a virtual questionnaire composed of the following instruments: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Oral Behaviors Checklist, Fonseca Anamnestic Index, and socioeconomic and demographic questions. Questionnaires were available on-line from August to November 2020. The association between the predictor variables and each outcome were assessed using Poisson regression. The sample consisted of 449 participants, 259 (59.5%) of whom had sleep disorders, 352 (78.4%) had TMD, and 311 (69.3%) had parafunctional oral habits. Sleep disorders were associated with higher prevalence of parafunctional oral habits (PR 1.61; 95%CI 1.36-1.91) and TMD (PR 1.16; 95%CI 1.04-1.29). Furthermore, women showed a higher prevalence of TMD in comparison to men, as well as individuals with lower income. Sleep disorders were associated with parafunctional oral habits and TMD in dental students and professionals during COVID-19 quarantine (AU).

TMD diagnosis: Sensitivity and specificity of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) has adequate sensitivity and specificity to be used in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). METHODS: Two hundred-sixty-five participants with symptoms of TMDs were assessed through the FAI and through the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and then classified as sick or non-sick. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the FAI in relation to the RDC/TMD were calculated using the STATA 14.0 software. RESULTS: Most of the patients were female, white, without a steady job, and the average age was 37.57 years. The FAI showed high sensitivity (97.21%) but obtained a low specificity (26.00%). The positive and negative predictive values were 84.96% and 68.42%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The FAI is very sensitive in identifying patients who actually have TMD but not very specific in identifying non-TMD patients, being indicated only for initial screening of patients.

Temporomandibular disorders and associated comorbidities among brazilian dental students during COVID-19

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and psychosocial comorbidities in undergraduate dental students in a southern Brazilian university, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it aimed to verify the association between psychosocial factors and TMD. Methods: Fonseca Anamnestic Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), a socioeconomic questionnaire, and questions about academic performance and social distancing were applied. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association of predictive variables with TMD. Results: The prevalence of TMD was found to be 82.4%, and more than half of the students had some degree of stress, anxiety, and depression. Students who had symptoms of stress (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.04-1.19), anxiety (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.12-1.27) and reported academic performance worsening (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.07-1.19) had higher TMD scores. Conclusion: The findings suggest that TMD was highly prevalent among dental students at a federal university in southern Brazil during the pandemic, being associated with high levels of stress, anxiety, poor academic performance, and greater social distancing

Association among headache, temporomandibular disorder, and awake bruxism: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between headache, myofascial temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and awake bruxism (AB). BACKGROUND: Bruxism seems to act as a risk factor for TMD and its associated comorbidities, such as headaches. METHODS: In total, 406 medical records of individuals who sought care at a university dental clinic were screened. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to assess and diagnose TMD, as well as to obtain self-reports of AB and headache. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 307 medical records. About 72.5% (221/305) of the sample reported having headaches, and 67.4% (180/267) and 68.4% (210/307) were diagnosed with AB and TMD, respectively. Individuals who reported having AB (odds ratio [OR], 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-4.7) and who were diagnosed with myofascial TMD (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.15-5.5) were more likely to have had headaches in the past 6 months when compared with patients without myofascial TMD and bruxism. Also, individuals who self-reported headache were 2.27 times (95% CI, 1.09-4.7) more likely to have AB and 2.45 times (95% CI, 1.13-5.34) more likely to have myofascial pain than individuals without headaches. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with myofascial TMD, headaches, or AB were more likely to have at least one of the other conditions.

Does marital status influence TMD-related chronic pain? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a complex sensory experience and can be influenced by psychosocial factors, such as romantic relationships. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between marital status and temporomandibular disorder-related chronic pain. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) through Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I were assessed for chronic pain and marital and socioeconomic status, according to Axis II. Multinomial logistic regression models assessed the association between chronic pain and the predictive variables. RESULTS: Three hundred and ten patients were included in the sample, the majority being female (74.5%), single (52.3%), and diagnosed with chronic pain (85.1%). The adjusted analysis showed about a 5-time greater chance of chronic pain occurrence with high disability in individuals who were married or in a common-law marriage (OR 5.99; 95% CI 1.45-24.73). Also, women were 7.62 times more likely to develop chronic pain with high disability (OR 7.62; 95% CI 2.03-28.52). CONCLUSION: Marital status showed an impact on chronic pain, with married individuals and those in a common-law marriage being the most affected by high disability chronic pain.

Smartphone Use for Tomographic Evaluation: Application in Endodontic Diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Portable equipment that allows quick exchanges of information, such as smartphones, is increasingly important in dentistry. Thus, they have become frequently used, with the potential to contribute to the tomographic evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of smartphone applications for diagnosing the root canal system (RCS) and measuring the root canal length. METHODS: Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files of 92 lower incisor teeth were evaluated by 2 trained and calibrated examiners using CS 3D Imaging software (Carestream Health, Rochester, NY) and 2 smartphone applications (DroidRender; Startm, Zhubei, Taiwan and Horos Mobile; iCat Solutions Ltd, Norwich, United Kingdom). The RCS was assessed according to Vertucci's classification, and the tooth length was measured using linear cusp-apex measurements. The diagnostic reference standard was obtained by the mode and the mean of the evaluations made by 3 experienced examiners using the CS 3D Imaging software. The diagnostic performance of RCS was evaluated using sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and overall accuracy (Ac). Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement of linear measurements. RESULTS: The diagnostic tests showed similar performance between the smartphone applications (DroidRender: Se = 1.00, Sp = .95, and Ac = 0.97; Horos: Se = 0.95, Sp = .94, and Ac = 0.95) and the computer software (Se = 0.97-0.95, Sp = .93-0.96, and Ac = 0.95-0.96). The smartphone applications showed discrepancies greater than 1.0 mm for the dental lengths, which may signal relevant differences in some clinical situations. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone applications offered similar diagnostic performance in comparison with the computer software for the RCS evaluation.

Rapid LLLT protocol for myofascial pain and mouth opening limitation treatment in the clinical practice: An RCT.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a rapid treatment protocol of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with myofascial pain and mouth opening limitation. METHODS: Twenty patients were randomly allocated into the laser group (LG) (n = 10) and the placebo group (PG) (n = 10). Two LLLT sessions or placebo were performed. They were applied to the pain points upon palpation, with a 48-hr interval. Patients were evaluated for spontaneous pain sensitivity during mandibular movements and for oral health-related quality of life, which was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders (OHIP/TMD) questionnaire. RESULTS: Two patients from the placebo group were lost during the study. A significant increase in the maximum mouth opening (p = 0.04) and improvement in OHIP/TMD scores (p = 0.003) were observed in the LG after 30 days. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous pain was reduced in both groups with low-level laser therapy.

Treatment of myofascial pain with a rapid laser therapy protocol compared to occlusal splint: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of a rapid low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocol to Michigan occlusal splint in the treatment of myofascial pain, as well as to evaluate their impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). METHODS: Thirty participants were randomly allocated into three groups: G1: occlusal splint (n = 11), G2: LLLT (n = 10), and G3: LLLT placebo (n = 9). LLLT and placebo were applied in the points of pain upon palpation. RESULTS: G1 presented improvement in pain (p = 0.014) and in the diagnosis of myofascial pain (p = 0.008), while G2 and G3 did not. Regarding OHRQoL, G1 and G2 presented significant improvement (p = 0.005, in both), whereas, G3 did not. CONCLUSION: Michigan occlusal splint was effective in reducing pain and improving OHRQoL. Treatment with the rapid LLLT protocol only provided an improvement in OHRQoL.

Avaliação do conhecimento dos estudantes de Odontologia da UFSM sobre DTM e bruxismo / Dental students' knowledge assessment of TMD and Bruxism at UFSM

Casos de bruxismo e disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) têm se tornado cada vez mais frequentes na prática clínica. Reconhecer seus mecanismos é necessário para o sucesso do controle e tratamento. O objetivo deste estudo piloto foi investigar o conhecimento e a percepção sobre DTM e bruxismo dos estudantesde Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Para isso um questionário com 15 questões foi aplicado a20 estudantes dessa instituição, sendo 10 do 7º e 10 do 10º semestre. Todos os estudantes avaliados relataram ouvir sobre DTM durante a graduação, mas 70% consideraram que possuíam pouca ou nenhuma base de conhecimento sobre o assunto. Noventa por cento dos estudantes relatou não conhecer a ferramenta utilizada em pesquisas para diagnóstico das DTM. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos avaliados e a média geral de acertos foi de 54%. Os dados evidenciam o pouco conhecimento sobre os assuntos abordados e a fragilidade do ensino destas alterações, especialmente pela não evolução do conhecimento sobre DTM e bruxismo ao longo do curso avaliado, pois o grupo de estudantes do 10º semestre apresentou resultados inferiores quando comparados ao do 7º semestre, que passaram recentemente pela Clínica de Oclusão, na qual os temas são abordados (AU).

Bruxism and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have become increasingly frequent in clinical practice. Recognizing its mechanisms is necessary for successful management and treatment. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the knowledge and perception about TMD and bruxism of dental undergraduate students from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). A questionnaire with 15 questions was applied to 20 students from this institution, 10 from the 7th and 10 from the 10th semester. All evaluated students reported hearing about TMD during the Dentistry course, but 70% considered that they had little or no knowledge on the subject. Ninety percent of students reported not knowing the instrument used in research to diagnose TMD. There was no statisticaldifference between the evaluated groups, and the overall average of correct answers was 54%. Data show little knowledge about the subjects and fragility regarding the teaching-learning process of these topics. Moreover, the non-evolution of knowledge about TMD and bruxism throughout the evaluated course is evident, as the group of students in the 10th semester showed poorer results when compared to the 7th semester, which have recently finished the discipline in which these themes are addressed (AU).