Low Level LASER Therapy, BOTAX, and Hard occlusal splints in Treatment of Muscle Pain ( T scan III and Electromyogram )

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a collective term used to characterize a heterogeneous group of conditions involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its contiguous tissues. Parafunctional habits including bruxism are considered as one of the causes of TMDs. Bruxism is a non-functional jaw movement includes clenching, grinding and gnashing of teeth. It usually occurs during sleep, but with functional abnormality of the brain it can be seen during consciousness. Bruxism results in tooth wear, morning headaches, muscle pain and muscle hypertrophy. Different treatment modalities have been introduced for bruxism including low level LASER therapy was used in treatment of bruxism by its biostimulatory therapeutic effect on vital cells. Botulinum toxin (Botox) type A was also used to treat myofascial pain symptoms and to decrease the muscular hyperactivity in bruxers. Interocclusal appliances like Michigan splint was another treatment option, it acts by eliminating the influence of disrupted occlusal relationship caused by excessive wear of hard dental tissue or occlusal instability.

Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate patients' satisfaction before and after each treatment. T scan III was used to check if there is any alteration in occlusion as result of using any of these treatment modalities. Electromyogram (EMG) was used to evaluate the muscle activity before and after each treatment. This study was done to evaluate which of the previous treatment modalities have sustained effect for treatment of bruxism and achieving patients' satisfaction.