~ 370 ~ International Journal of Applied Dental Sciences 2020; 6(3): 370-375 ISSN Print: 2394-7489 ISSN Online: 2394-7497 IJADS 2020; 6(3): 370-375 © 2020 IJADS www.oraljournal.com Received: 04-05-2020 Accepted: 06-06-2020 Sana Kazi Post-Graduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India Mohit Kheur M.D.S, PhD, Professor, Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India Tabrez Lakha M.D.S, Senior Lecturer, Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India Mohsin Shaikh Post-Graduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India Corresponding Author: Sana Kazi Post-Graduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India Articular disc displacement disorders and its prosthodontic management: A literature review Sana Kazi, Mohit Kheur, Tabrez Lakha and Mohsin Shaikh Abstract Articular disc displacement is a relatively common clinical condition that requires an accurate clinical diagnosis and comprehensive management for a successful treatment. An electronic search within the PubMed, Medline, Science Direct and Google scholar were performed using the MeSH terms. Different treatment modalities from conservative treatment to surgical intervention with varying success rates have been reported. Occlusal appliance therapy is conservative and often the initial treatment for patients who develop temporomandibular joint symptoms. This literature review is aimed at addressing the etiology and recent views on prosthodontic management of disc displacement disorders. Keywords: Disc displacement, temporomandibular disorders, occlusal splint, joint clicking Introduction The area of craniomandibular articulation is called the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The joint is a synovial joint consisting of a mobile condyloid process of the mandible articulating with the squamous portion of the temporal bone. The articular surface of the temporal bone consists of the concave articular fossa and the convex articular eminence. The articular disc is a fibrocartilaginous, saddle-shaped structure separating the condyle and the temporal bone. The articular disc and its attachments divide the joint into superior and inferior spaces. The superior joint space is bounded by the articular fossa and the articular eminence. The inferior joint space is bounded by the condyle at the bottom. 1 The articular disc is believed to have several roles, such as, cushioning and distributing joint loads, promoting joint stability during chewing, facilitating lubrication and nourishment of the joint surfaces, preventing gross degenerative changes in the condyle and fossa, and promoting the normal growth of the mandible. [2] Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are recognized as the most common nontooth-related orofacial pain conditions that challenges the dentists and other healthcare providers. According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a collective term embracing a number of clinical problems that involve the masticatory musculature, TMJ and associated structures or both. 3 TMD are clinically characterized by muscle and/or TMJ tenderness; TMJ sounds; and restriction, deviation, or deflection of the mouth. [4] Articular disc displacement involving the condyle–disc relationship is the most common intra- articular cause of TMD. According to the classification of Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD the three main types of internal TMJ derangement are: 1) disc displacement with reduction, 2) disc displacement without reduction with or 3) disc displacement without reduction and without limited mouth opening. [5] In disc displacement with reduction, the articular disc is displaced anteromedially to the condylar head. The disc reduces during condylar translation and therefore the range of motion is not limited. However, due to the momentary sliding of the condyle on and off of the disc results in TMJ clicking and/or popping sound. Disc displacement without reduction is a clinical condition in which the disc is dislocated, anteromedially to the condyle and does not return to normal position with condylar movement. Disc displacement without reduction is usually presented as a closed lock. Westesson et al. described three different presentations for posterior disc displacement: 1) A thin disc spans from the superior portion of the condylar head to posterior to the condylar head 2) a centrally-perforated disc is present, with a small portion anterior to the condylar head,