The Relation between TMJ Osteoarthritis and the Inadequately Supported Occlusion

Journal Article

Al-Sadhan, Ra’ed . 2008

• Magazine \ Newspaper: Egyptian Dental Journal
• Volume Number: 54
• Pages: 47-54

Publication Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of inadequately supported occlusion on the incidence of TMJ osteoarthritis and to investigate the reversibility of the cardinal features of the disease after restoring the occlusion by construction of the appropriate prosthetic appliance. Two groups of male patients were selected in this study being already affected by TMJ osteoarthritis. The patients of the first group (20 patients) 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 (20 patients) had an adequately supported occlusion, clinical and radiographic surveys were carried out. It was found that the incidence of both the clinical and radiographic findings of TMJ osteoarthritis were higher in the first group, for whom the occlusion has then been restored by properly constructed removable prosthetic appliances. One year after restoration of occlusal support the patients were re-examined. Most of the clinical findings improved especially crepitation, muscle tenderness and pain. The radiographic findings did not show significant improvement except for restoration of the joint space. It was concluded that the inadequately supported occlusion is associated with TMJ osteoarthritis and that restoring the relation and function of the TMJ avoid the excessive load that may result in its degeneration. Conservative treatments such as counseling, behavioral modification, physical therapy and pharmacotherapy should be applied in association with the treatments which lead to correction of occlusion.