Changes in signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders following treatment with implant-supported fixed prostheses: A prospective 3-year followup

Purpose: The aim was to investigate whether the replacement of lost teeth w ith implant-supported fixed prostheses (IFP) had any influence upon the sig ns and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Materials and Methods : The subjects comprised 78 consecutive patients referred to a specialist c linic for treatment with IFPs. All were examined with respect to the presen ce of signs and symptoms of TMD before the start of treatment and after 1 a nd 3 years. Results: Before treatment began, 21% of the patients were found to have moderate (15%) or severe (5%) clinical signs of dysfunction accord ing to the Helkimo index. These figures decreased numerically but not stati stically significantly to 10% and 1%, respectively, at the 3-year follow up . Nearly half of the patients (45%) reported one or more subjective symptom s of TMD at the first examination. The anamnestic index used had decreased statistically significantly at the 3-year follow up, when the 5 variables c omposing the index had improved, but the improvement was statistically sign ificant only for the variables joint sounds and pain when opening the mouth wide. All patients were satisfied with the treatment received. Conclusion: The results from the present investigation show that treatment with IFPs h as a good and lasting effect on the functional status of the masticatory sy stem as well as on subjective symptoms of TMD and chewing ability in the va st majority of patients treated.