ABSTRACT Background Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure widely used for internal derangement and inflammatory TMJ disorders. Purpose To analyze publication trends, leading contributors, and thematic evolution in TMJ arthrocentesis research. Materials and Methods A retrospective bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection, including 822 publications published between 1990 and 2025. Results Publication output increased markedly after 2010, with the United States and Turkey as leading contributors. Early research focused on mechanical lavage and lysis, whereas recent studies emphasize biologic adjuncts such as platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid. Conclusion TMJ arthrocentesis research has shifted toward biologically oriented strategies, reflecting a significant shift in research focus and publication trends within the field of TMD management.

ABSTRACT Bruxism should be conceptualize as a plural, since it groups different oral motor behaviors that are performed by all individuals during sleep and wakefulness. In the early era, bruxism was considered a synonym of teeth grinding linked to the psychological sphere, thus having a specific meaning (e.g. manifestation of anxiety, anger, frustration). Since the ‘90s, focus has progressively shifted towards the identification of generator patterns for a rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) associated with sleep arousals, considered a biomarker for sleep bruxism (SB). This model lacks validity. In this commentary, a biopsychosocial model of bruxism is presented, based on the hypothesis of a neural load discharge that may explain the multifaceted bruxism activities over the 24 hours. They may be just a purposeless sign of motoneuronal activation, or purposeful, goal-oriented behaviors from the perspective of the human being, regardless of the clinical consequences, if any.

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether menopause is associated with symptoms related to central sensitization, pressure pain threshold, and conditioned pain modulation in women with painful TMD. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated 45 women with painful TMD, divided into three groups: regular menstrual cycle (n = 15), menopause with hormone replacement (n = 16), and menopause without hormone replacement (n = 14). The Central Sensitization Inventory and the pressure pain threshold and conditioned pain modulation tests were applied. Results The group without hormone replacement had lower pressure pain threshold in the right masseter (p = .008) and left masseter (p = .007) compared to the regular cycle group. Pain modulation was impaired in the without hormone replacement group when assessing the right masseter (p = .019), left masseter (p = .005), and tenar of the nondominant hand (p = .046). The Central Sensitization Inventory score did not differ between groups. Conclusion This study suggests that menopause without hormone therapy is associated with increased pain sensitivity within the trigeminal territory.

ABSTRACT Objectives To develop a 3D measurement for horizontal condylar angle (HCA) and investigate its distribution across skeletal patterns and changes following orthognathic and disc repositioning sur-geries. Materials and Methods Using a 3D reconstruction approach, 90 non-surgical patients were analyzed for HCA distribution. Surgical effects were evaluated in 50 orthognathic patients (preoperative, post-operative, and follow-up) and 30 disc repositioning patients (preoperative and >1 year postoperative). Results HCA differed significantly among skeletal patterns (Class II: 23.97±11.81°; Class I: 19.05±11.03°; Class III: 13.61±7.35°). Mandibular advancement caused no immediate change but showed a reduction at follow-up, whereas mandibular setback resulted in a significant immediate increase that remained stable over time. In the disc repositioning group, HCA decreased significantly after surgery. Conclusions HCA exhibits a skeletal pattern–specific distribution and adaptive changes following surgery. HCA serves as a simple and reproducible imaging descriptor for documenting morphological adaptation.

ABSTRACT Objective Over the past three decades, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis has evolved from a mechanical lavage procedure into a sophisticated treatment standard incorporating principles of biological modulation and regenerative medicine. The aim of this study is to analyze the global TMJ arthrocentesis literature between 1989 and 2025 using bibliometric methods, thereby objectively mapping the procedure’s technical evolution, clinical paradigm shifts (the transition from Axis I to Axis II), and the migration of research focus from surgical technique to biopsychosocial management. Materials and Methods Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database on January 13 2026. A total of 792 original articles and reviews, identified through a comprehensive search strategy, were analyzed using VOSviewer and R-Bibliometrix software regarding annual growth rate, citation networks, conceptual structure, and global collaboration dynamics. Results The literature was found to be expanding with an annual growth rate of 12.1%, peaking in 2024 in terms of both publication count (n = 74) and citations (n = 1952). While the USA (n = 111) remains the most productive country, Turkey (n = 107) ranks second, demonstrating its strong clinical activity in the field. In citation networks, Nitzan’s “anchored disc” theory (n = 314 citations) maintains its central position; however, the rise of Schiffman’s DC/TMD criteria (n = 125 citations) and Manfredini’s psychosocial studies indicates that success is now contingent more upon patient phenotype than physical parameters. Furthermore, the concepts of “ultrasound guidance” and “regenerative agents” (PRP, HA) have dominated the literature in recent years. Conclusion The TMJ arthrocentesis literature is undergoing a dynamic transformation characterized by surgical minimization and technological integration. Research trends corroborate that the concept of “mechanical success” has yielded to a holistic treatment model constituted by accurate patient selection (Axis II), imaging guidance, and biological regeneration.

ABSTRACT Objective Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are debilitating orofacial pain conditions caused by extrinsic or intrinsic injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with higher prevalence reported in women. Changes in innociception, protein expression, and joint structure were investigated in a preclinical TMD model caused by TMJ hyperextension in male and female rats. Methods Mechanical nociception was determined using von Frey filaments, protein expression investigated by immunohistochemistry, synovial levels of TNF-α and IL-6 by ELISA, and TMJ morphology by micro-computed tomography. Results Only female rats exhibited enhanced nociception and TMJ guarding behavior. TMJ hyperextension increased expression of proteins implicated in ascending pain signaling and modulation of proteins associated with the descending pain inhibitory pathway. TNF-α levels were elevated in males and females, while IL-6 was only increased in males. No changes in bone morphology were observed. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence of sexual dimorphism in a novel TMD model caused by a single, transient hyperextension event.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess associations between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) subtypes and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) using meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library identified studies up to 6 March 2024 using DC/TMD for TMD diagnosis and OHIP-based OHRQoL outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Five studies comprising 3,267 participants were included. Compared with intra-articular TMD (IT), pain-related TMD (PT) and combined TMD (CT = PT + IT) were associated with poorer overall OHRQoL (SMD = 0.74, P < 0.001 for PT; SMD = 0.84, P < 0.001 for CT). Direct comparison showed CT had a more pronounced negative impact than PT (SMD = 0.13, P < 0.01). PT and CT also showed greater impairments in functional and psychosocial OHRQoL domains. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of findings. Conclusion Patients with PT and CT symptoms exhibit significantly greater impairments in overall and domain-specific OHRQoL compared with those with IT symptoms, despite the limited number of studies included, highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies based on TMD subtype. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42024544762).

ABSTRACT Background Bruxism, the most common repetitive oral behavior, is reported widely in young adults due to excessive stress and sleep abnormalities. If left undiagnosed, it may cause pathologic alteration in condylar morphology. Methods This Institutional Ethics Committee approved cross-sectional comparative study comprised of 100 patients, equally divided into groups. The study group diagnosed based on the self-reported questionnaire while control group patients were recruited retrospectively. The patients were evaluated using CBCT. Results Flattening 26 (52%) and sclerosis 31 (62%) were more frequent in bruxers than non-bruxers (p < .05). Surface erosion 4 (8%) and osteophytes 14 (28%) were also noted in bruxers. Interestingly, non-bruxers also showed osteophytes 16 (32%) and surface erosion 9 (18%), which became the point to be focused on. Conclusion Condylar alterations were more frequently observed in participants with possible bruxism. Prompt intervention can be inculcated to halt progress of the condition. Trial registration The study has been registered under Clinical trial registry – India (CTRI registration number: CTRI/2023/05/052782) on May 17, 2023.

ABSTRACT Objective To compare asymmetry in occlusal contact area, number of occlusal contact points, and number of occluding tooth pairs between healthy individuals and patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) categorized by the DC/TMD. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 49 participants aged 18-45 years, divided into five groups: healthy, muscle pain, joint pain, combined muscle and joint pain, and joint disorder. Occlusal contacts at maximum intercuspation were recorded using an intraoral scanner. STL files were analyzed to quantify occlusal contact area, contact points, and occluding tooth pairs. Clinical and psychosocial variables were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Results Intra-examiner reliability was high (ICC = 0.90). No significant between-group differences were found in demographic characteristics or occlusal asymmetry measures (p ≥ .05). Conclusion No statistically significant differences in occlusal asymmetry were found among TMD subgroups or healthy individuals. Current evidence does not support the use of intraoral scanning of occlusal contacts for diagnosing or differentiating TMDs.