EFFECTIVENESS OF NSAIDS AND TCA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS-RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Purpose: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) encompasses a group of disorders involving joint – disc disorders,
masticatory muscles and degenerative joint disorders. It is important to use a management strategy that is safe,
economical, and effective for patients. While surgical approaches are hindered by certain complications, non-invasive
therapies offer these benefits and are therefore considered the first line of treatment for TMDs. Existing literature
suggests a lacuna of studies analyzing the effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) on TMDs in comparison to NonSteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of NSAIDs and
TCA in managing Temporomandibular Disorders.
Materials and Methods: Data of diagnosed TMD patients who were treated during the time span between January
2022 and January 2024, was retrieved retrospectively from the institutional electronic database. 50 patients were
included, and they were divided up into two groups based on the treatment protocol followed. Patients in Group A
were managed with NSAIDs, while patients in Group B were managed with TCAs. Outcome measures including pain
relief (VAS score), maximal mouth opening were assessed.
Results: 28% patients treated with TCA showed complete pain reduction and 44% patients showed improved mouth
opening compared to NSAID s group which showed 12% reduction in pain and 32% improvement in mouth opening.
Conclusion: TCA wasfound to be more effective in relieving pain and improved mouth opening compared to NSAIDs
when supplemented with physical therapy. TCAs can be a viable therapeutic option for TMDs.