Articular noise in patients rehabilitated with removable partial dentures

Mandibular noises, along with mandibular restrictions, constitute classical signs of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) which can be accompanied with painful symptomatology. Its multifactorial etiology encompasses emotional stress, trauma, deep pain, parafunctional activity and occlusal problems. The aim of the present transversal and descriptive study was to determine frequency and types of articular noises and their relationship with Kennedy´s classes, as well as presence or absence of painful symptomatology. A total of 50 patients attending the course of Prosthesis Clinical Chair 1 were examined, they were subjected to tactile exploration and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) auscultation. Frequency of articular noises was 48%, simple clicks 48.15%, reciprocal clicks 25.9%, pops 18.5% and crepitations 7.4% Clinical history revealed presence of pain in 14% of cases. Coincidence of both signs (pain and noise) occurred in 25%. High incidence of simple clicks related to Kennedy’s class II was observed.