The Signs and Symptoms of Tempromandibular Disorder (Tmd)

A temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a collective term, embracing a number of clinical conditions that involves the masticatory musculature or temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and associated structures. These clinical conditions are characterized by pain in the pre-auricular area, TMJ, or muscles of mastication; limitation or deviation in the mandibular range of motion; and TMJ sounds during mandibular function. The present study was a descriptive cross sectional study which was designed to target the adult population at the Public, Military dental hospitals and Health centers in Khartoum State, based on gender and age groups. The purposes of this study were to determine the signs and symptoms of TMD and the treatment needs. Furthermore, to identify the distribution of patients with TMD, determine the percentage of the treatment needs, as well as to assess the relationship between patients seeking treatment for TMD and the socio- economic status. The subjects consisted of 385 (175 males and 210 females). They were selected in a stratified systematic random sample technique. Their ages were distributed according to age groups range (15 24, 25- 34, 35- 44, 45- 54, 55- above).