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Oral Surgery · single question

The BEST first-line treatment for TMJ myofascial pain disorder is:

  1. Occlusal splint therapy (stabilization appliance)
  2. Orthognathic surgery
  3. Trigger point injection
  4. Arthrocentesis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Occlusal splint therapy (stabilization appliance)

  • A. Correct. The first-line treatment for TMJ disorders — especially myofascial pain — is conservative, reversible therapy. OCCLUSAL SPLINT THERAPY (stabilization appliance/nightguard) reduces muscle hyperactivity, protects against bruxism, and repositions the condyle. It is the most widely recommended initial treatment per AAOP guidelines.
  • B. Orthognathic surgery is a last resort for structural TMJ correction — never first-line.
  • C. Trigger point injections are second-line treatments for refractory myofascial pain that has not responded to conservative care.
  • D. Arthrocentesis (lavage of the joint) is used for acute disc displacement without reduction — not first-line for myofascial pain.

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