J Oral Med Pain.  2025 Mar;50(1):16-24. 10.14476/jomp.2025.50.1.16.

Psychosocial and Clinical Characteristics of Temporomandibular Disorder Patients Attributing Symptoms to Dental Treatment

• Kim HW
• Ahn YW
• Jeong SH
• Ju HM
• Kim KH
• Jeon HM
• Ok SM

• KMID: 2566665
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2025.50.1.16

Abstract

Purpose
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Some patients perceive dental treatment as the cause of their TMD, which may impact symptom perception and treatment response. This study aims to compare the psychosocial and clinical characteristics of patients who attribute their TMD onset to prior dental treatment (DT group) with those who do not (NT group).
Methods
A total of 250 patients diagnosed with TMD at Pusan National University Dental Hospital between January and October 2024 were included. Patients were classified into the DT group (n=92) if they attributed their symptoms to previous dental procedures, while the remaining NT group (n=158) consisted of patients with other primary complaints. Patients were additionally categorized into Generation X (1965-1980), Generation Y (1981-1999), and Generation Z (2000-2012). Clinical assessments were conducted following the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), and psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15).
Results
The DT group had a significantly higher mean age (54.16±16.87 years) compared to the NT group (39.71±19.12 years, p<0.001). Psychological distress scores (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PHQ-15) were significantly higher in the DT group, particularly among Generation X patients (p<0.05). Muscle-related pain was more prevalent in the DT group (75%) than in the NT group. Interestingly, OBC scores were higher in the NT group (p<0.05).
Conclusions
Patients who attributed their TMD onset to dental treatment reported higher psychological distress and a greater prevalence of muscle-related pain, underscoring the need for a biopsychosocial approach to TMD management. Clinicians should consider the impact of patient perception on TMD symptoms and integrate psychological assessment and counseling to enhance treatment efficacy and patient adherence.

Keyword

Biopsychosocial approach; Dental care; Myalgia; Psychosocial factors; Temporomandibular joint disorders