Evaluation of the Relationship Between Temporomandibular Joint Pathologies and Dentition Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) degeneration is an irreversible disease of the TMJ and its exact etiology is still not clearly known today. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is defined as the most advantageous imaging technique for examining TMJ hard tissue degeneration. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between TMJ degenerations and dentition, age and gender using CBCT. Material and methods: In the study conducted on 1000 CBCTs, the age, gender and dentition status of the patients were recorded. Degenerative bone changes of the condylar head were evaluated and classified as flattening, erosion, osteophytes, ankylosis, sclerosis and subchondral cyst. The effect of age, gender and dentition status on the presence of degenerative changes was then evaluated. Results: It was observed that the flattening and erosion rate was significantly higher in the group with posterior edentulous, and that the flattening, erosion and subchondral cyst rates were significantly higher in the group with anterior edentulous. It was observed that the rate of flattening, erosion, osteophytes and subchondral cysts was significantly higher in the totally edentulous and fully dentate groups. It was observed that the rate of flattening, osteophytes and subchondral cysts was significantly higher in women. Conclusions: This study showed that increasing age and missing teeth in the dentition cause an increase in the frequency of TMJ degenerations. It has been observed that TMJ degeneration also varies in different groups of missing teeth. It has been observed that the incidence of TMJ pathologies increases in women.