Abstract

DIAZ GUZMAN, Walter; LUCIA GUZMAN, Carmen  and  MARTIN ARDILA, Carlos. Prevalence and need for treatment of temporomandibular disorders in a Chilean population. AMC [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.5, pp.602-609. ISSN 1025-0255.

Background: diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders research have been recognized internationally for its clinical utility and application in epidemiological research. Objective: to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and characteristics associated with this pathology, also it was evaluated the need for real treatment in patients with pain or functional limitation according to research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders.   Methods: the sample consisted of 194 women and 75 men with dental treatment in two state hospitals in Chile, with a mean age of 51 years. All patients were required to fill the validated version of the survey and the clinical record.           Results:The 53,51 % of patients had at least one temporomandibular disorders. Women showed a higher prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (119 individuals, 61,3 %) compared to men (25 patients, 33,3 %). One hundred and one patients with temporomandibular disorders of muscular type were found and 67 with temporomandibular joint disorders. A total of 179 individuals (66,5 %) showed moderate and severe levels of depression. On the other hand, 41,2 % of patients showed at least one diagnosis that required dental treatment.     Conclusions: in the present study a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders was observed, with more frequency in women. Similarly, muscle-type disorders are more frequent than joint type disorders. It's very important to note that almost half of the studied population presented a diagnosis that requires treatment.

Keywords : TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS; DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES AND  PROCEDURES; CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDIES; WOMEN.

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