[Preliminary analysis of the bilateral disc-condyle relationship of TMJ before and after prosthetic rehabilitation in edentulous patients].

PURPOSE: To observe the disc-condyle relationship, joint effusion, and osseous abnormalities of the condyle before and after prosthetic rehabilitation in 8 edentulous patients with asymptomatic of bilateral temporomandibular joints (TMJs).

METHODS

Complete dentures of 8 edentulous patients were made. Bilateral TMJ MRI before and after prosthetic rehabilitation was performed to observe TMJ internal changes.

RESULTS

Before prosthetic rehabilitation, 10 joint disc displacements were found in 62.5% of 16 TMJs of 8 edentulous patients, including 7 medial disc displacement, 2 lateral disc displacement and anterior disc displacement (6.25%); 7 TMJs had effusion 4 had condylar abnormalities. After prosthetic rehabilitation, 10 disc displacements were found in 16 TMJs of 8 edentulous patients, including 7 medial disc displacement, 2 lateral disc displacement, and 1 anterior disc displacement; 7 TMJs effusion. 4 TMJs had condylar abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-time tooth loss may lead to internal derangement of TMJ in edentulous patients. In short term after prosthetic rehabilitation with complete denture, there is no distinct change in disc-condylar relationship, joint effusion, and condylar abnormalities in edentulous patients.