THE USE OF OZONE THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the masticatory system, causing joint pain, limited movement, and muscular dysfunction. Conventional treatments include occlusal splints, medications, and acupuncture. Ozone therapy has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and regenerative effects.

Objective: To review the effectiveness of ozone therapy in the treatment of TMD and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on studies published between 2014 and 2023. The keywords used were “ozone therapy”, “temporomandibular joint”, and “TMD”. Based on these criteria, 5 articles were selected for this study.

Literature review: Several clinical studies and reviews suggest that ozone therapy may reduce joint pain and improve mouth opening. It can be applied in different forms, such as intra-articular injection, intramuscular injection, and topical application. A meta-analysis reported significant pain relief compared to placebo, though no clear superiority over occlusal splints or acupuncture. Some studies found ozone therapy to be comparable or even superior to laser therapy in improving symptoms. However, many trials included small sample sizes and presented methodological limitations.

Conclusion: Ozone therapy appears to be a promising adjunctive treatment for TMD, providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. Although preliminary results are encouraging, more high-quality randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and to establish standardized protocols for its use in dental practice.