In clinical practice, it is commonly assumed that
occlusal splints have therapeutic value in the treatment of
temporomandibular disorders CTMD), but the evidence based on randomized controlled trials is scarce. This study evaluated the short-term (10-week) efficacy of a stabilization
splint in subjects with recurrent secondary
otalgia and active TMD treatment need using a randomized, controlled, double-blind design. Thirty-six subjects were randomly allocated to the two treatment groups: the stabilization
splint and the control
splint group. After 10 weeks' treatment, the intensity of secondary
otalgia, measured on a VAS scale (from 0 to 100 mm), decreased statistically significantly in the stabilization
splint group (t 2.12; P 0.006), but not in the control group. Improvement in active TMD treatment need in subjects showing moderate or severe signs and symptoms of TMD was reported significantly more often in the stabilization
splint group than in the control
splint group (chi2 5.71; P.017). A statistically significant decrease in the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index was seen in the subjects with stabilization
splint (Z-2.63; P.009), but not in the subjects with control
splint. The results indicate that the use of a stabilization
splint is beneficial with regard to secondary
otalgia and active TMD treatment need.