Effect of occlusal treatment on sick leaves in TMJ dysfunction patients with head and neck symptoms.

The aim of the study was to test the effect of occlusal treatment on sick leaves utilized in clinically diagnosed TMJ dysfunction patients who had had sick leaves for head and neck symptoms. The patient population differed clearly from a typical TMJ dysfunction clientele. Qualitative statistical analysis disclosed a significant reduction in sick leaves granted in the treatment group (n = 28). The result was corroborated by quantitative statistical analysis. No change was observed in the control group (n = 25). The changes in the number of days on sick leave and in the signs of dysfunction during the follow-up year showed a tendency to covariation. Since there was little reason to suspect that the placebo effect would have been greater in the treatment group than in the control group, it was concluded that the occlusal treatment could have eliminated some of the causes for sick leaves.