Occlusal conditions just after the relief of temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle pain.

When the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are present, it is possible that occlusal conditions and mandibular movements are changed. Accordingly, the presence of occlusal interferences may be misjudged. It is therefore reasonable to consider that occlusal conditions should be examined just after the relief of symptoms. The comparison of occlusal conditions in 52 temparomandibular joint (TMJ) pain patients and 27 muscle pain patients with that in 60 asymptomatic controls was made. Occlusal examination in the patients was administered just after the relief of pain by bite plane therapy alone. The only occlusal factor which was associated with pain symptoms was no canine contact on the working side on laterotrusion. It is suggested therefore that further studies as regards this type of interference should be performed.