2002 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 46-50
We reported a case of lateral disc displacement of temporomandibular joint treated effectively by arthrocentesis and lavage. The patient was a 53-year-old female who complained of a sound in the right TMJ and tinnitus in the right ear. She had a click in the right TMJ just before intercuspation when she closed her mouth. She had no pain, limitation of the mouth opening, and malocclusion. MR findings diagnosed the lateral disc displacement of right TMJ. Arthrocentesis and lavage for right TMJ was performed under local anesthesia. Immediately after arthrocentesis, a click in the right TMJ vanished and right side posterior open bite at intercuspation was observed. One week after arthrocentesis, tinnitus in the right ear improved completely. Six months later, the click and tinnitus did not recur. MR findings showed the normal disc position. Therefore, occlusal reconstruction was performed by using hard resin caps on the occlusal surface of right premolars and molars as treatment for posterior open bite at intercuspation. The prognostic course was uneventful.
