Abstract
We observed 240 patients with temporomandibular disorders (TDM) who had completed Cornel Medical Index (CMI) and Y-G questionares in order to investigate the relationship between TMD and psychological factors. The 240 patients were classified into 5 (IIV and others) types according to the criteria proposed by the Japanese Society for the Temporomandibular Joint. In addition, all 240 patients were classified into 4 (I-IV) categories by CMI and 5 (A-E) categories by Y-G.
Acupuncture to the meridian point “Gekan” has been used to treat the inferior articulator. Instead of using a needle, the author has irradiated the inferior articulator several times with a low power laser (Nd: YAG at 350mW) for the Type I and Type II patients. This relieved the pain somewhat, but since the results were determine only by the subjective judgement of the patient, the author also used thermography to evaluate the symptomatic change objectively. For Type III, with the closed lock, and Type IV patients, we used the low power laser from the first examination. We manipulated the mandible after the pain of the temporomandibular region had been relieved. The symptoms ceased after several months, but no change in the disk position was observed in the MRI.
We have now used the same treatment for psychosomatic patients with TMD. Counselling and medical therapy were also effective depending on the patient. The results was that, after several months, the symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunctions were cured. This suggests that low power laser treatment for TMD is effective not only for Types I, II, DI with closed lock and IV patients, but also for psychosomatic patients with TMD.
