Comparison of the Effects of a Six-Week Physiotherapy Program on Temporomandibular Disorder Patients With and Without Posterior Edentulism: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of posterior edentulism on the management of temporomandibular disorder remains unclear, with a paucity of studies examining the influence of posterior edentulism on symptoms. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between posterior edentulism and bruxism, tinnitus, and depression in temporomandibular disorder patients and to compare treatment outcomes in two groups with and without posterior edentulism. Material and Methods: In a quasi-experimental controlled trial, 26 patients with temporomandibular disorder participated in a six-week intervention, including manual therapy, massage, postural exercises and kinesiotaping. The patients were divided into 13 in the posterior edentulous group and 13 in the full dentate group. The participants attended 12 physiotherapy sessions, twice a week, over six weeks. Outcome measures, including bruxism, tinnitus, joint clicking, Beck Depression Inventory, and cervical range of motion, were evaluated at baseline and the end of the six weeks. Results: The six-week physiotherapy program significantly improved bruxism, tinnitus, cervical range of motion, and depression (p<0.05). The posterior edentulous group showed significantly greater improvement in cervical range of motion compared to the full dentate group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Physiotherapy effectively reduces temporomandibular disorder symptoms and highlights the importance of considering posterior edentulism in comprehensive temporomandibular disorder management.

Keywords

• temporomandibular disorder
• bruxism
• tinnitus
• depression
• physiotherapy

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