Analysis of the sleep period and the amount of habitual snoring in individuals with sleep bruxism

Background

The literature does not report any association between habitual snoring and sleep bruxism, but these situations can be a reason for frequent complaints of individuals, impairing the quality of life. This study was performed to investigate the sleep period and amount of habitual snoring in individuals with sleep bruxism observing expiratory, inspiratory, and mixed snoring.

Material and Methods

A total of 90 individuals were screened and divided into the following groups: with sleep bruxism (n=45) and those without sleep bruxism (n=45). Single night sleep polysomnography was performed to diagnose sleep bruxism, quantify habitual snoring and sleep period. The results were tabulated and submitted to a Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to compare the means of the two independent groups, considering the affected diagnosis of sleep bruxism, snoring (independent variables) and age as covariate. For the post hoc, was used correcting for multiple comparisons (Bonferroni test, P <.05).

Results

There was statistically significant difference among the groups ( p =.001) in the sleep period, in that individuals with sleep bruxism slept for a longer duration (with sleep bruxism group: 460 minutes and without sleep bruxism group: 401 minutes). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups for the number of inspiratory, expiratory and mixed snores, but was observed greater amount of snoring in the with sleep bruxism group.

Conclusions

The main finding of this study is that individuals with sleep bruxism slept longer than the control group. It may also be suggested that individuals with sleep bruxism tended to increase the amount of habitual snoring during sleep.

Key words:Bruxism, adult, sleep disordered breathing, polysomnography.

Follow-up results of a randomized clinical trial for low-level laser therapy in painful TMD of muscular origins

Objective: To characterize short- and long-term assessment of the low-intensity laser therapy (LLLT) effectiveness in women with TMD of muscular origins and to evaluate whether the information about the treatment received (active or placebo) modifies the pain intensity.Methods: Forty-one women with painful TMD (31.7 ± 5.2 years) were divided into laser (n = 20) and placebo (n = 21) groups. The pain intensity was measured at the baseline, after the LLLT (T8), 6 and 12 months. At the 6-month follow-up, the groups received information about the active or placebo treatment.Results: At T8 and 6-month, both active and placebo LLLT were effective in reducing pain (p < .05). After one year, the groups showed similar pain. Active LLLT was more effective in reducing pain palpation (p = .001) and referred pain (p = .04) in the region of the TMJs. The information about the treatment modified the perceived pain intensity.Conclusion: Active and placebo LLLT are effective for painful TMD of muscular origins in the short-term. Information about the treatment impairs the subjective perception of pain.

Comparison reproducibility between the facebow and a new technique based on a spirit level device

Objective: This study aimed to introduce a spirit level device for mounting maxillary casts to compare the reproducibility between the facebow and this new technique.Methods: The maxillary casts of 10 participants were mounted in three different situations: 1) with the facebow; 2) with the spirit level device, the participant in seated position; and 3) with the spirit level device with participant in standing position. Each procedure was performed by three different evaluators. The values obtained were calculated using the Technical Error of Measurement (TEM) and the inter-evaluator Coefficient of Variation (CV).Results: The mean values obtained were 4.3 mm, 2.2 mm, and 2.6 mm for absolute TEM; 8.7%, 5.4%, and 6.4% for relative TEM; and 7.3%, 4.5%, and 5.6% for CV.Conclusion: These results show that the facebow is less reproducible compared to the new device, demonstrating that the new technique can be satisfactorily used in clinical practice.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and construct validity of the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia for temporomandibular disorders (TSK/TMD-Br) into Brazilian Portuguese

Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) seems to play an important role in the development of chronic pain. However, for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), there is a scarcity of studies about this topic. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for TMD (TSK/TMD) is the most widely used instrument to measure fear of movement and it is not available in Brazilian Portuguese. The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt the TSK/TMD to Brazilian Portuguese and to assess its psychometric properties regarding internal consistency, reliability, and construct and structural validity. A total of 100 female patients with chronic TMD participated in the validation process of the TSK/TMD-Br. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for statistical analysis of reliability (test-retest), Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency, Spearman's rank correlation for construct validity and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for structural validity. CFA endorsed the pre-specified model with two domains and 12-items (Activity Avoidance - AA/Somatic Focus - SF) and all items obtained a loading factor greater than 0·4. Acceptable levels of reliability were found (ICC > 0·75) for all questions and domains of the TSK/TMD-Br. For internal consistency, Cronbach's α of 0·78 for both domains were found. Moderate correlations (0·40 < r < 0.60) were observed for 84% of the analyses conducted between TSK/TMD-Br scores versus catastrophising, depression and jaw functional limitation. TSK/TMD-Br 12 items and two-factor demonstrated sound psychometric properties (transcultural validity, reliability, internal consistency and structural validity). In such a way, the instrument can be used in clinical settings and for research purposes.

Comparative Capabilities of Clinical Assessment, Diagnostic Criteria, and Polysomnography in Detecting Sleep Bruxism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic capability of signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism (SB) as per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria and a diagnostic grading system proposed by international experts for assessing SB.

METHODS

The study was conducted in three phases (interview, physical examination, and sleep studies). Subjects were asked about self-reported tooth grinding sounds occurring during sleep, muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, jaw muscle pain, and jaw locking. A visual examination was conducted to check for presence of abnormal tooth wear. A full-night polysomnography (PSG) was performed. After three phases, the subjects were divided into two groups matched by age and gender: Case Group, 45 SB subjects, and Control Group, 45 non-SB subjects. Diagnostic accuracy measurements were calculated for each sign or symptom individually and for the two diagnostic criteria analyzed.

RESULTS

Muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, and AASM criteria were associated with highest sensitivity (78%, 67%, 58%, respectively) and also with highest diagnostic odds ratio (OR = 9.63, 9.25, 6.33, respectively). Jaw locking, muscle pain, and the criterion of "probable SB" were associated with the worst sensitivity (16%, 18%, 22%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of muscle fatigue and temporal headaches can be considered good tools to screen SB patients. None of the diagnostic criteria evaluated was able to accurately identify patients with SB. AASM criteria had the strongest diagnostic capabilities and--although they do not attain diagnostic values high enough to replace the current gold standard (PSG)--should be used as a screening tool to identify SB.

External Hexagon Deformation in Implants Subjected to Internal Torque

Failures may occur in the connections of dental implants, especially in external hexagon (EH). Due to the deformations in this portion of implants, this study aimed to evaluate the levels of deformation of EH connections subjected to internal toque. Two types of implants were used: N group and S group. Torques of 0, 32, 45, 60 and 80 Ncm were applied to the N group, and torques of 0, 30, 40, 60 and infinite Ncm were applied to the S group implants. The internal distance (ID), internal area (IA) and external area (EA) of the EH were obtained from digital pictures, which were analyzed by a specific software. Statistical analysis was performed by the Scott-Knott test. The results showed that the higher the torque applied, the greater were the changes in the evaluated dimensions in both groups. In the S group, torque levels equal or greater than 40 Ncm and 30 Ncm caused greater deformation of EA and IA respectively, while in the N group, torque levels equal or greater than 60 Ncm and 32 Ncm caused greater deformation of EA and IA respectively. Levels of deformation were greater in the S group as compared with the N group. These findings suggest that the IA, EA and ID of the EH may be affected by different internal torque levels.

A Preliminary Protocol for Multi-Professional Centers for the Determination of Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders

The objective of the present study was to test a protocol for the quantification of the frequency and severity of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) according to patient perception during two phases of investigation. The protocol was developed based on the signs and symptoms most frequently reported in the literature and on the circumstances in which they produce discomfort. Eighty-four patients diagnosed with TMD by functional examination of the masticatory system responded to the protocol questions and indicated the severity of signs and symptoms using an eleven point numerical scale (Phase 1). Forty-two patients were fitted with an occlusal splint (treated group) and the remaining participants did not use a splint (control group). The protocol questions were asked after 50 days of treatment (Phase 2). Based on the results of nonparametric statistical analysis, the incidence of signs and symptoms was high in Phase 1 and significant, with no difference between the groups, whereas the treated and control groups differed in Phase 2. A comparison between Phases 1 and 2 showed that only the treated group presented a reduction in the severity of signs and symptoms. The study showed that using this protocol, it is possible to define the frequency and severity of symptoms as well as the effect of the treatment. The advantage of this protocol is that it would complement the data obtained using clinical examination with information provided by the patient in a measurable manner.

Effect of pretreatment with an Er:YAG laser and fluoride on the prevention of dental enamel erosion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Er:YAG laser and its association with fluoride (1.23% acidulate phosphate fluoride gel) on the prevention of enamel erosion. Sixty specimens were obtained from bovine enamel (4 × 4 mm), which were ground flat, polished, and randomly divided into five groups according to the preventive treatments: control-fluoride application; L--Er:YAG laser; L+F--laser + fluoride; F+L--fluoride + laser; L/F--laser/fluoride simultaneously. Half of the enamel surface was covered with nail varnish (control area), and the other half was pretreated with one of the preventive strategies to subsequently be submitted to erosive challenge. When the laser was applied, it was irradiated for 10 s with a focal length of 4 mm and 60 mJ/2 Hz. Fluoride gel was applied for 4 min. Each specimen was individually exposed to regular Coca-Cola® for 1 min, four times/day, for 5 days. Wear analysis was performed with a profilometer, and demineralization was assessed with an optical microscope. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (wear)/Dunn test and ANOVA/Fisher's exact tests. The group L/F was similar to control group. The other groups showed higher wear, which did not present differences among them. In the demineralization assessment, the groups F+L and L/F showed lower demineralization in relation to the other groups. It can be concluded that none preventive method was able to inhibit dental wear. The treatments L/F and F+L showed lower enamel demineralization.

Reestablishment of occlusion through overlay removable partial dentures: a case report

Loss of posterior teeth may cause an imbalance in the stomatognathic system. Overlay removable partial dentures (ORPD) are a reversible and relatively inexpensive treatment for patients with severely worn teeth. This paper presents a treatment with ORPD in a 55-year-old male patient who had severe attrition in the maxillary and mandibular teeth, temporomandibular joint pain and reduced vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). The treatment consisted in the reestablishment of the VDO using Lucia's jig, fabricating removable partial denture with reconstruction of the worn teeth without preparation. This therapy can be used as an alternative treatment to provide esthetic, function and stable occlusion in patients with severely worn teeth.

Resonance frequency analysis of overdenture retainer implants with immediate loading

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 16 patients of both sexes with lower overdenture and upper complete dentures, by analysing the resonance frequency of the initial and late stability of implants used to retain the overdenture under immediate loading.

BACKGROUND

Oral rehabilitation treatment with complete dentures using implants has been increasingly more common among the specialists in the oral rehabilitation area. This is an alternative for obtaining retention and stability in treatments involving conventional complete dentures, where two implants are enough to retain the overdenture satisfactorily.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Osstell™ Mentor device was used for the analysis in the initial period (primary stability), 3 and 15 months after the installation of the lower overdenture (secondary stability). The statistical analysis was performed with the repeated measures model (p < 0.01).

RESULTS

The implant stability quotients were observed to increase after 15 months of the rehabilitating treatment.

CONCLUSION

The use of overdentures over two lower implants should become the treatment of choice for individuals who have a fully edentulous mandible.

Emg analysis after laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Implications for practice

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low level laser applied to acupuncture points of patients diagnosed with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Ten patients aged between 20 and 50 years were clinically examined with regard to pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system. They received laser applications (GaAlAs diode laser, 780 nm wavelength; 70 mW power output, 35 j/cm(2)) in acupuncture specific points (Ig4, C3, E6, E7) once a week, for ten sessions. The range of jaw movement was registered after each session and visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied. Results were analyzed (SPSS-15.0-Chicago) during the comparison, before and after treatment. Statistical tests showed significant improvements (p < 0.01) in painful symptoms and electromyographic activities of masseter muscles in maximal habitual occlusion after laser applications but no significant improvements (p = 0.05) in measurements of mandibular movements. The laser therapy in specific acupuncture points promoted improvement of symptoms and it may be used as complementary therapy for TMD.

Immediate implants placed into infected sockets: a case report with 3-year follow-up

The esthetics and functional integrity of the periodontal tissue may be compromised by dental loss. Immediate implants became a viable option to maintain the periodontal architecture because of their anatomic compatibility with the dental socket and the possibility of eliminating local contamination. This article describes the procedure of immediate implant placement in the anterior maxilla replacing teeth with chronic periapical lesions, which were condemned due to endodontic lesions persisting after failed endodontic treatment and endodontic surgery, and discusses the relationship between the procedure and periapical lesions. Surgical removal of hopeless teeth 11, 12 and 21 was performed conservatively in such a way to preserve the anatomy and gingival esthetics. A second surgical access was gained at the apical level, allowing the debridement of the surgical chamber for elimination of the periapical lesion, visual orientation for setting of the implants and filling of the surgical chamber with xenogenous bovine bone graft. After this procedure, the bone chamber was covered with an absorbent membrane and the healing screws were positioned on the implants. Later, a provisional partial removable denture was installed and the implants were inserted after 6 months. After 3 years of rehabilitation, the implants present satisfactory functional and esthetic conditions, suggesting that immediate implant placement combined with guided bone regeneration may be indicated for replacing teeth lost due to chronic periapical lesions with endodontic failure history in the anterior maxilla.

Bite force in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and healthy complete denture wearers

The signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) may contribute to reduce bite force and muscular activity. The aims of this study were to compare bite force in complete denture wearers with TMD (TMD group) and without TMD (healthy group).The TMD group consisted of 9 individuals, who had worn a maxillary and a mandibular complete removable denture for more than 10 years. The healthy group consisted of 9 participants who wore dentures and had satisfactory interocclusal and maxillomandibular relationship. Helkimo Index was used to analyze the dysfunction level. Maximum bite force was measured using a digital dynamometer with capacity of 100 kgf and adapted to oral conditions.The TMD group presented smaller mean bite force values than the healthy group, though without statistical significance (p>0.05). This outcome suggests that the TMD signs and symptoms and the structural conditions of the dentures did not affect the maximal bite force of complete denture wearers.

The effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy combined with an occlusal splint on signs and symptoms in a man with TMD-hypermobility: case study

Exercise therapy has been indicated for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but few reports are available about the effect of orofacial myofunctional therapy, which includes working with stomatognathic functions, in patients with TMD. A 49-year-old man with a diagnosis of TMD-hypermobility and orofacial myofunctional disorders received combined treatment with orofacial myofunctional therapy and an occlusal splint. Clinical evaluation and the scale of symptom severity after 9 treatment sessions and during follow-up compared to the phase before treatment suggested that treatment was of great benefit. We conclude that the combination of orofacial myofunctional therapy and an occlusal splint can be beneficial for patients with TMD-hypermobility. However, since this was a single case, further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Electromyographic evaluation of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in rest position of edentulous patients with temporomandibular disorders, before and after using complete dentures with sliding plates

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed with the purpose of investigating electromyographic (EMG) activity of the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles in edentulous individuals with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), before and after using sliding plates on complete dentures in the mandibular rest position.

BACKGROUND

Edentulous patients may present TMD, which is characterised by pain in temporomandibular joints, masticatory and neck muscles, uncoordinated and limited mandible movements, joint sounds and an altered occlusal relationship. It is imperative to offer treatment in order to re-establish stomatognathic system structures before submitting the individual to any definitive restorative treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients were edentulous for at least 10 years. EMG recordings were made before the insertion of the dentures (0 months) and also after using the sliding plates at the fourth month, 9th month and 12th month, using computerised electromyography K6-I/ EMG Light Channel Surface. EMG evaluations of the muscles were performed under the following clinical conditions: rest position with dentures (R1), rest position without dentures (R2), rest position with dentures post-activity (chewing) (R3), rest position without dentures post-activity (chewing) (R4).

RESULTS

All patients obtained remission of muscular fatigue and reduced pain in stomatognathic system structures. Temporalis muscle showed significant increase in EMG activity compared with initial values (p < 0.01). Masseter muscles showed significantly lower mean values (p < 0.01) compared with initial values.

CONCLUSION

The sliding plates allowed the process of neuromuscular deprogramming, contributing to muscular balance of the masticatory system, and are therefore indicated to be used before the fabrication of definitive complete dentures in patients with TMD.

Combination therapies in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders: a clinical report

Numerous implant systems exist that have the versatility to create a custom implant abutment with an anatomic shape. This clinical report describes the use of a digital scanner with CAD/CAM technology to create (copy mill) an anatomically shaped abutment.

Tooth wear and loss: symptomatological and rehabilitating treatments

The authors report a clinical case that presented tooth wear and absence, with painful muscular and articular symptomatology, and also alteration in deglutition, mastication and speech. The clinical procedures used were re-establishment of vertical dimension of occlusion, mandibular centric relations, and occlusal contacts through therapeutic removable partial dentures. The condyle position was analyzed in habitual occlusion and in occlusion with dentures, through transcranial radiographs of the temporomandibular joints. Oral rehabilitation was achieved with dental restoration and removable partial dentures.

Tooth wear: use of overlays with metallic structures

This work is a clinical case report of a patient presenting with marked tooth wear in all teeth, a reduction in the vertical dimension of occlusion, and fatigue in the muscles of mastication. The treatment proposed and effected used a muscle-relaxing appliance and mandibular and maxillary overlay appliances which were adjusted according to the occlusal contacts, vertical dimension of occlusion, and the mandibular positioning. The results obtained were satisfactory in terms of relaxing the muscles involved, reestablishing the dimensions of the lower third of the face, and the functional activities of deglutition, mastication, and speech.

Association of a temporomandibular disorder and Eagle's syndrome: case report

We report a clinical case of Eagle's syndrome which required dental intervention due to the presence of exacerbated symptoms indicating an association with a temporomandibular disorder. The therapeutic dental procedures used were an occlusal splint and temporary removable partial dentures. Surgical removal of the styloid process on the left side was later performed as a medical option.