Association between Tooth Loss and Degree of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comparative Study

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between tooth loss and the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Materials and methods One hundred fifty patients with an average age of 49.2 (±14.06) years were divided into three groups (n = 50/group) according to the degree of tooth loss: GI (dentate – control), GII (edentulous), GIII (partially dentate). After performing anamnesis and clinical examination, a questionnaire was used, so that the patients could fill in information on signs and symptoms of TMD. After analyzing this information, it was possible to classify the degree of severity of TMD. As age is a confounding variable to the level of TMD, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to check for differences in the degree of TMD between groups (covariate = age). A post hoc test (Bonferroni) was performed to compare the groups two by two (5% significance level). Results The mean level of TMD according to the groups was GI – 1.95; GII – 2.15; GIII – 2.55. There were significant differences between the study groups (p > 0.05). A post hoc test (Bonferroni) confirmed the difference between edentulous patients and the other groups. Conclusion The tooth loss is directly related to the signs and symptoms of TMD. The degree of TMD was significantly higher in edentulous patients. How to cite this article Malheiros AS, Carvalhal ST, Pereira TL, Filho EMM, Tonetto MR, Gonçalves LM, Bandeca MC, De Jesus Tavarez RR. Association between Tooth Loss and Degree of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(3):235-239.