Evaluation of the Effect of Occlusal Splint Use on Masticatory Muscles

The study is designed as a prospective observational clinical study. Female patients will be selected from those who applied to the 'Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Clinic' at the Department of Prosthodontics, Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry with various maxillofacial muscle pain complaints. Only female patients will be included in the study, as temporomandibular disorders caused by masticatory muscles are observed approximately four times more frequently in women than in men, and for muscle studies, it is recommended to examine a single gender group for scientific consistency. (Studies combining male and female participants have been found to have lower reliability due to significant differences in muscle volume and thickness between genders.)

During the examination of these patients, Temporomandibular Disorders Diagnostic Criteria (TMD-DC) forms will be completed to reach an accurate diagnosis. Female patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome and for whom occlusal splint therapy is planned will be included in the study. Individuals participating in the study will be selected from this patient group. Before starting occlusal splint therapy, ultrasound (USG) images will be taken, focusing on the masseter muscle, temporal muscle, facial artery, maxillary artery, temporal artery, and external carotid artery.

The 12-week routine treatment of these patients will proceed without any intervention. At the end of their treatment, when patients return for their final control session, they will complete the TMD-DC forms again to evaluate changes in symptoms and pain. (Evaluations will be made based on Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) scores, pain rating, maximum mouth opening, pain during palpation of the masseter muscle, and pain during palpation of the temporal muscle.)

During the same session, a second USG will also be taken. The results obtained will be compared with the initial USG images taken before treatment. In these images, the thickness, length, and elastography values of the masseter and temporal muscles, both at rest and during clenching, will be measured, and the blood flow rates in the arteries will be assessed. Arterial assessment will be based on (Pulsatility Index) PI, (Resistive Index) RI, Peak Systolic Velocity (PS), End Diastolic Velocity (ED) , and Time-averaged maximum speed (TAMAX) values. Thus, the effect of occlusal splint therapy on muscle morphology and blood flow will be evaluated."**

Inclusion criteria

• Female patients who presented with muscle pain complaints to Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry
• Patients diagnosed with myospasm and/or myofascial pain syndrome in the masseter and/or temporal muscles
• Patients who have not previously received occlusal splint therapy
• Patients without any physical or mental disabilities
• Patients over the age of 18
• Patients with no missing teeth

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with any temporomandibular disorders (TMD) other than masticatory muscle disorders
• Male patients
• Patients who have previously received any TMD treatment
• Patients under the age of 18
• Patients with any physical or mental disabilities
• Patients with missing teeth