inadequately supported occlusion inductive of TMJ osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT

Two groups of female patients were selected in this study being affected by TMJ osteoarthritis. The patients of the first group had an inadequately supported occlusion i.e. three or more functional molars were missing, improperly restored or badly decayed. The patients in the second group had an adequately supported occlusion. Clinical and radiographic surveys were carried out. It has been found that the incidence of both the clinical and radiographic findings was higher in the first group. For this group the occlusion has been restored by properly constructed partial dentures. Six months after restoration of occlusion the patients were reexamined. Most of the clinical findings have been imporved especially the crepitation and painful symptoms. The radiographic findings have shown no significant improvement except for restoration of the joint space. It could be concluded that the inadequately supported occlusion might be a cause of TMJ osteoarthritis, and that its restoration to a functional form preserve the joint in its normal relation and function avoiding the excessive load that may resuIt in its degeneration