Behavior of dysfunctional TMJ pain in partially edentulous patients through prosthetic rehabilitative treatment

Introduction: Tooth loss and temporomandibular disorders are problems that affect patients from an early age. It is important to understand the effectiveness of prosthetic rehabilitation in partially edentulous patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) pain syndrome. Objective: To determine the behavior of TMJ pain in partially edentulous patients through prosthetic rehabilitation treatment. Methods: This was an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, longitudinal study of partially edentulous patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain syndrome, treated at the prosthodontics clinic of the "Antonio Briones Montoto" Stomatological Clinic in Pinar del Rio municipality, from 2023 to 2025. The study population consisted of 1273 patients, and the sample comprised 216 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Results: Females predominated (61.6%), as did the 41-50 age group (50.5%). Lower Kennedy Class I malocclusion was present in 88.4% of the patients. Moderate dysfunction was present in 44.9%, and 83.8% experienced pain in the joint region. Muscle pain was present in 58.8% of the patients one month after prosthetic placement; this frequency decreased to 47.2% after two months. Conclusions: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctional pain syndrome in partially edentulous patients was primarily associated with bilateral posterior mandibular tooth loss and decreased with restorative treatment. Preventing tooth loss and receiving appropriate rehabilitation contribute to reducing TMJ dysfunctional pain and achieving good oral health.