Prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in adults: a transversal pilot study

Objective: Evaluate the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, in patients treated at CETASE (Center of Study and Treatment of the Stomatognathic System Disorders) from Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP. Methods: 400 clinical forms of patients that voluntarily contacted FOP - UNICAMP were selected for dental treatment; they were between 18 and 88 years old, with a positive diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders and treated according to the CETASE treatment protocol. Data from the clinical forms related to the signs and articular symptoms shown initially by the patients were collected, and signs evaluated during clinical exams as well. The results found were submitted to statistical analysis by Chi-Square Test with a 5% level of significance. Results: Among the symptoms observed, the perception of articular noise was the most significant (p<0,0001), followed by articular pain, deafness sensation and buzz respectively. Canine guidance absence and diminished vertical dimension were the most prevalent signs (p<0,0001). Conclusion: Articular noise, articular pain, deafness sensation and buzz perception were the most common symptoms. Canine guidance absence and diminished dimension vertical of occlusal were the most observed signs. (C) 2011 Sociedade Portuguesa de Estomatologia e Medicina Dentaria. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.