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

Objective: 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.