Analysis of dynamic function of Temporomandibular joint in subjects before and after dental treatment procedures using joint vibratory analysis- A cross sectional observational study.

A cross-sectional observational study will be carried out among subjects attending Vishnu Dental College seeking various treatments as mentioned elsewhere after obtaining approval from institutional research and ethical committee. Patients will be explained about the need for study in local vernacular language and informed consent will be obtained from each subject. A specially designed proforma will be used for data collection pertaining to general information, medical history and clinical examination. Follow up check ups with JVA will be performed for prosthetic subjects at intervals of 3 and 6 months.

Without a clear objective and detailed assessment of TMJ function, we cannot predict the future success or failure of our dental treatments, nor can we determine if subsequent TMJ pathologies previously existed or were the result of our dental work. According to Jensen&Ruff studies, almost every third subject with sub-clinical TMD developed clinical TMD over a 2.4year period. Mc Neil states that approximately 75% of the population may experience one of the many signs of masticatory dysfunction;they emphasize that it would be deliberate to carry out systematic TMJ function analysis in all adult patients prior to the dental treatments.

The premise of this research is that a more technically accurate instrument followed by a sophisticated computer analysis might provide more accurate information by assessing the phenomenon of TMJ sounds. It has been postulated that different disorders can produce different vibration patterns or signatures in joint including TMJ. Vibration analysis of TMJ is thus a quantitative process that measures the absolute intensity and frequency distribution of vibratory waves emanating from the joint during jaw motion.The assessment of vibrations using JVA will have the potential to provide data that could be used to assess the phenomenon and indicate the status of the joint.

Understanding of different types of joint vibrations, characterized by analyzing total integral vibrations, peak frequency and mouth opening etc., are important for prevention and treatment and even follow-up of the joint pathologies. JVA is an accurate and reproducible means to record and maintain all the above characteristics permanently for each subject. JVA provides a fast, non-invasive and repeatable measurements of TMJ function to aid in the diagnosis. Understanding TMJ function is vital anytime if we are changing the vertical, lateral or antero-posterior position of the mandible as in orthodontic or prosthetic treatments.

For the above reasons, the present study will be conducted to assess these changes using JVA, that will help to better allocate with resources and address the welfare and needs of patients who undergo the concerned dental procedures