The therapy of functional disorders of the masticatory organ using computer technology: a case report

Abstract

The prevalence of tooth wear among the Russian population is steadily increasing and, according to various authors, reaches 84%. Various clinical manifestations of the disease (pain and tension of the masticatory muscles, clicking and crepitus in the TMJ, lower jaw lock, reducing the interalveolar height and the lower third of the face), the complexity of diagnosis and a large percentage of unsuccessful treatment outcomes require the search for new therapeutic resources, among which digital technologies are becoming the most in demand. An extract from the medical history of patient K., 42 years old, whose orthodontic treatment led to the appearance of functional disorders of the masticatory organ, is presented. At the stage of the orthodontic treatment hypertension of masticatory muscles and clicking in the TMJ appeared, and at the end of the therapy diastema appeared in the area of 1.1 and 2.1 teeth as well as gingival recession in the area of 3.1 teeth. These symptoms caused the patient to start a new dental treatment, which was carried out using digital methods of functional diagnostics (obtaining the digital impressions, modeling and 3D printing of the gnathometer, determining of the lower jaw therapeutic position and checking the condyle position using computed tomography), which made it possible to achieve complete elimination of functional disorders of the masticatory organ.
Conclusions.
Computer technologies allow to perform the competent diagnosis and treatment, as well as monitoring the position of the lower jaw at all stages of complex rehabilitation, which ultimately ensures a successful outcome of treatment in the long term.