Evaluación clínica y epidemiológica de trastornos temporomandibulares en pacientes adultos de la UCSG, B-2025.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To clinically and epidemiologically characterize adult patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) treated at the Dental Clinic of the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil during the B-2025 academic period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, cross- sectional, observational, and descriptive study was conducted on 60 adult patients diagnosed with TMD. The diagnosis was established using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), including a symptom questionnaire and standardized clinical examination. Pain, headache, joint sounds, mandibular locking, and opening pattern were evaluated. Oral behaviors were analyzed using the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC). RESULTS: Articular TMD was the most frequent (53.33%), followed by combined (35%) and muscular (11.66%). A predominance of females was observed in combined and muscular TMD. 100% presented with functional overload, 98.3% with dental parafunctions, and 85% with muscle tension. Orofacial pain was present in most patients, more frequently bilateral in muscular TMD. Headache was more frequent in combined and muscular TMD. Joint clicks were more common in articular TMD, while the combination of clicks and crepitus predominated in combined TMD. Mandibular locking was more frequent in combined TMD. CONCLUSION: Articular TMD was the most frequent type. Patients presented a high prevalence of parafunctional habits, pain, and joint signs, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive clinical diagnosis for appropriate management.