Clicking of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Follow-up in Treated and Untreated Patients
Clicking of the temporomandibular joint is frequently found in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The etiology of the clicking is unclear. This review article has collected the results of follow-up visits in patients who have received treatment for clicking and in those who have not. Previous studies have suggested that treatment is divided into 2 types, nonsurgical and surgical treatment. The results from both types of treatment are still controversial and unresolved. Progression to severe pain and dysfunction was extremely rare in all patients with the clicking, irrespective of treatment. There are no indications that treatment for clicking should be used in the absence of other signs and symptoms of TMD. However, if the symptoms of pain and dysfunction are present with clicking in patients with TMD, nonsurgical treatment can be considered first, as its outcome has been rather successful. Surgery should be conducted only in patients who do not respond at all to any other treatment.
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