Evaluation of occlusal splint therapy in temporomandibular joint disorder patients using real-time ultrasonography

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of occlusal splint therapy by determining the cross-sectional dimension of masseter muscle using ultrasound in patients with temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction. Methods: Twenty-seven patients aged between 20 and 40 years were included in the study. A detailed history was obtained, and a comprehensive clinical examination was carried out. Subjective assessment with structured pro forma was performed pre-occlusal and post-occlusal splint therapy. The objective measurement of the bilateral masseter muscle thickness was recorded using real-time ultrasonography before and after splint therapy. Results: The mean ultrasound thickness of the masseter muscle in the pre-clenching state before splint therapy was 9.45 mm (SD 1.39), and the post-clenching state was 13.15 mm (SD 2.23). After splint therapy, the mean thickness in the pre-clenching state was 9.14 mm (SD 1.31), and the post-clenching state was 12.78 mm (SD 2.23; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurements of the masseter muscle in patients with temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction can be a useful tool to assess the effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy. Such conservative measures can significantly reduce masticatory muscle tenderness, especially of the temporalis and masseter.