BACKGROUND: Third molar removal has been implicated as a precipitating event for temporomandibular joint disorders. The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of patients had pre-existing pain and dysfunction that could be attributed to the temporomandibular joints. METHODS: Sixty patients referred for third molar removal were clinically examined and a history of their presenting complaint recorded at the initial consultation visit. Patients were then diagnosed and categorized. RESULTS: Of the total number of patients examined, 13.3 per cent showed signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction while a further 23.3 per cent also had symptomatic third molar teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the signs of temporomandibular joint disorders are common in patients referred for third molar extractions.
BACKGROUND: Third molar removal has been implicated as a precipitating event for temporomandibular joint disorders. The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of patients had pre-existing pain and dysfunction that could be attributed to the temporomandibular joints. METHODS: Sixty patients referred for third molar removal were clinically examined and a history of their presenting complaint recorded at the initial consultation visit. Patients were then diagnosed and categorized. RESULTS: Of the total number of patients examined, 13.3 per cent showed signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction while a further 23.3 per cent also had symptomatic third molar teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the signs of temporomandibular joint disorders are common in patients referred for third molar extractions.