J Oral Med Pain.  2024 Jun;49(2):29-34. 10.14476/jomp.2024.49.2.29.

Acute Malocclusion Related to Posterior Disc Displacement According to Complete Disc Tearing: Two Case Reports

• Park JE

• KMID: 2557747
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2024.49.2.29

Abstract

Acute malocclusion can occur in conditions related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This report presents two cases of acute malocclusion related to posterior disc displacement according to complete disc tearing. A 65-year-old male and an 88-yearold female presented with TMJ pain and occlusal discrepancies. Clinical examination, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete disc tearing and posterior displacement of a partial disc fragment. Dental cast analysis revealed a slight anterior and lateral deviation of the mandible toward the non-affected side; however, clinically, significant occlusal changes were not observed. This was attributed to the displacement of a small disc fragment rather than the entire disc. Including the cases presented, most instances of complete disc tearing responded well to conservative treatment such as pharmacotherapy and physical therapy, resulting in pain alleviation, and residual occlusal changes were tolerable for the patients in their daily activities. However, persistent occlusal changes or severe chewing difficulty may require surgical intervention.

Keyword

Acute malocclusion; Posterior disc displacement; Temporomandibular joint disorders