The effects of temporomandibular joint disorders on patients' quality of life.

A sample of 30 patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction was studied in order to investigate the sensitivity of quality of life indicators to the impact of this condition. Patients from four private dental practices were referred into the study and they completed mailed questionnaires at their initial visit to the dentist, at one month and at six months from the first visit. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms, perceptions and functional capacity. Indicators of social dysfunction, pain and anxiety were most sensitive to the condition, showing significant changes over time with treatment. However, clinical measures of perceived oral functioning, such as clicking, popping and biting ability, did not change significantly over time. The findings suggest that social dysfunction associated with this condition is likely to recur given that problems with oral functioning are not resolved. Future research should be aimed at investigating the social and psychological conditions under which temporomandibular problems lead to exacerbation of pain and resulting social dysfunction.