There are a lot of people in the United States who suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD). One of the largest problems with TMD is that it often goes undiagnosed or untreated for several years. Many people who are suffering from the effects of TMD need help and welcome the professional who can identify the symptoms of TMD and develop a plan to treat this disorder. Dr. Stan Farrell, who is a Diplomate with the American Board of Orofacial Pain, is that professional and is well versed with treating TMD. He has many patients who admit that they have lived with TMD for years because they were unaware of their condition or who to seek for help. In the March-April 2012 edition of the Dental Research Journal, findings were released that supported the claim that most people suffering from various degrees of TMD are unaware of this fact. Here at AZ-TMJ, Dr. Farrell continues to educate the general populace on the symptoms and signs of TMD so as to limit the people who are bounced around from office to office and still no closer to a solution for their debilitating condition. He is a leader in this field and continues to help many seek relief from the pains of TMD. Dr. Farrell’s practice is well suited for identifying and treating various causes of TMD through the latest medical equipment and distinguishes himself with a proven track record for helping those with TMD. Call and schedule a consultation today with Dr. Farrell @ 480-945-3629.
Mahroo Vojdani, Farideh Bahrani, and Parnian Ghadiri
Background: This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between subjective data obtained from a questionnaire and clinical examination among students in Shiraz University of medical sciences.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional prospective study, the samples consisted of 200 subjects, with equal distribution between males and females. Subjects’ ages ranged from 18 to 30 years (24.07±2.93). A functional evaluation was performed using the Helkimo clinical dysfunction (Di) and anamnestic (Ai) indices. Data were evaluated by the Chi-square test between gender and clinical dysfunction index (Di) and correlation coefficient between Di and Ai (the level of significance was set at P<0.05).
Results: Among the total study population, 30% reported mild symptoms (Ai I) while 2% had severe (Ai II). In the clinical examination, 71% showed some degree of dysfunction. These degrees were as follows: 50% were classified as mild (Di I), 13% moderate (Di II) and 8% severe signs and symptoms (Di III). With respect to gender, women (80%) were more affected than men (62%). A significant relationship was found between gender and the occurrence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (P<0.05). The correlation coefficient (r) between the reported symptoms (Ai) and recorded signs (Di) was 0.53. There were positive correlation coefficient between Di and Ai. They were statistically significant (P<0.001).
Conclusions: A high prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD among students in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences was seen, which was greater in women. Despite suffering from TMD, students were not aware of their disorders. (Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2012 Mar-Apr; 9(2): 221–225)
