Conservative treatment for recurrent dislocation of temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is difficult to treat with nonsurgical methods. A new nonsurgical method for the treatment of this condition is presented.

METHODS

Routine dental arch bars were applied to the teeth, and two latex elastic bands were placed between the two arch bars on either side of the dental arch. Muscular exercises (i.e. active mouth opening) were then performed regularly over approximately three months.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for two to five years, and the treatment proved successful in five of five cases (i.e. no recurrence was seen). The advantages of this treatment are its simplicity and the lack of special equipment needed. No surgery is required, although patients must perform regular muscular exercises. Surgical complications such as trismus and facial nerve palsy are avoided. The disadvantages of this method are the requirement for patient compliance, and its lack of usefulness in patients without teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

The described method is useful for patients complaining of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.