Dynamics of changes in the level of pain in the masticatory muscles in patients with reduced interalveolar height

The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of pain intensity changes by a visual- analog scale (VAS) in patients with reduced vertical dimension of occlusion, who were treated using elastic bands and splints. Materials and methods. 52 people (15 men and 37 women) with reduced vertical dimension of occlusion and masticatory muscle hypertension were examined. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical and instrumental (electromyography) methods. Pain intensity was determined using VAS. The control group consist of 31 practically healthy people aged 16 to 31 years. Preliminary treatment of patients of the main group was carried out using elastic bands and splints. Results. It was found that the proposed method of masticatory muscle hypertension treatment in patients with reduced vertical dimension of occlusion provides reliable (Z1—3= –6.40; p1—3=0.01) reducing of pain intensity, tension and fatigue of the masticatory muscles by the end of second week of therapy (from 8.17±0.6 to 4.54±0.5 points by the VAS scale). It is also confirmed by reliable decrease of the bioelectric activity of the masticatory muscles. Conclusion. Thus, the proposed method of treatment of masticatory muscle hypertension in patients with reduced vertical dimension of occlusion has features, favorably distinguish it from the other methods of the therapy, because it provides gentle functioning condition for masticatory muscles.