Cone beam computed tomography analysis of the relationship between chewing side preference and temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams, whether chewing side preference (CSP) affects the anatomical parameters of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) of articular origin.

METHODS

A total of 106 CBCT exams were analyzed, divided into 56 exams of volunteers without a diagnosis of TMD (Control Group) and 50 exams from individuals diagnosed with TMD of joint origin (Experimental Group). The following parameters were analyzed: the axial and paracoronal shapes of the condyles, the degree of translation and rotation of the condyles, the volume of the condyles, and the height and inclination of the articular tubercles. Generalized estimation equations (GEE) were employed, and a significance level of 5% was set.

RESULTS

Only one significant interaction was observed between the two groups related to the axial shape of the condyle (p value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CSP did not influence the dynamic parameters of the TMJ in patients with TMD of articular origin.