The occlusal imaging and analysis system by T-scan III in tinnitus patients

摘要

Background Several studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in tinnitus patients ranges from 7% to 95%, and it is reported in literature that idiopathic tinnitus patients should be referred to a dentist to define whether or not the tinnitus is associated with TMD. However, the possible pathophysiological relation between {TMDs} and tinnitus is not generally investigated in clinical practice. Methods The patterns and forces of occlusal contacts have been studied by means of T-scan {III} in 47 tinnitus patients (23 suffering from idiopathic tinnitus and 24 affected by Ménière disease [MD]) and 13 healthy subjects. Results The center of force target was offset in the opposite direction in 15/23 idiopathic tinnitus and in 7/24 {MD} patients (p?=?0.026). No significant variation was found in the occlusal force. Conclusions Our data suggest that a diagnostic screening method for occlusal stability in the intercuspidal position might be clinically useful in idiopathic tinnitus patients.