Pathology · single question
A patient has severe pain and malocclusion 5 months after occlusal splint therapy with no resolution. What is the most appropriate NEXT step?
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Correct answer: C. Order a radiographic/imaging study
When occlusal splint therapy fails after 5 months with persistent pain and malocclusion, the next step is imaging (panoramic, CBCT, or MRI) to identify an underlying structural cause such as condylar fracture or internal derangement.
- A. Continuing to adjust without diagnosis after 5 months of failure may cause harm.
- B. Muscle relaxants relieve symptoms but don't address the underlying cause — not appropriate as the next step.
- C. CORRECT. 'Mandar hacer un estudio imageneológico' — imaging is the correct next step when splint therapy fails.
- D. Surgical referral without imaging/diagnosis is premature.