Temporomandibular joint disorders in patients referred for third molar extraction.

BACKGROUND

Third molar removal has been implicated as a precipitating event for temporomandibular joint disorders. The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of patients had pre-existing pain and dysfunction that could be attributed to the temporomandibular joints.

METHODS

Sixty patients referred for third molar removal were clinically examined and a history of their presenting complaint recorded at the initial consultation visit. Patients were then diagnosed and categorized.

RESULTS

Of the total number of patients examined, 13.3 per cent showed signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction while a further 23.3 per cent also had symptomatic third molar teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the signs of temporomandibular joint disorders are common in patients referred for third molar extractions.