The coexistence of temporomandibular disorders and styloid process fracture: a clinical report.

This clinical report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with both temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and styloid process fracture. The presence of tender muscles of mastication, facial pain, especially upon awakening, frequent grinding sounds, and tooth attrition indicated a diagnosis of TMD with bruxism as a possible etiological factor. However, the preliminary diagnosis of styloid process fracture based on the patient's sensation of a foreign body in the throat and some discomfort when turning the head was confirmed using radiography. The styloid process fracture was treated using conservative nonsurgical therapy, and an occlusal splint was used to treat the TMD. The patient's symptoms were significantly reduced at the 12-month follow-up visit.