[Influence of aging and the loss of teeth on some variations of TMJ]

Many authors consider that the contours and dimensions of TMJ continue to be reshaped and remodeled even after the period of growth and development is complete, in response to changing mechanical stresses under influence of aging, abrasion and the loss of the teeth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find out if aging and the loss of teeth make any influence on TMJ. The sample consisted of 80 dry skulls and their mandibles. The following parameters were measured: 1A (AB) the distance from the lateral ending of petrotympanic fissure to the intersection of petrotympanic and petrosquamosus fissure, 1B (BC) the distances from the intersection of petrotympanic and petrosquamosus fissure to the most prominent part of the articular eminence, 1C (AC) the distance from the lateral ending of petrotympanic fissure to the most prominent part of articular eminence and 2 (h) the depth of the mandibular fossa. Measured values were analysed in connection with sex, age, the different percentage of the remaining teeth and the left or the right side. There was no significant difference at the probability level of 95%, nor for the left and the right side, neither for the different age groups, sex and the different percentage of the remaining teeth (p greater than 0.05). Still, it is obscure the existence and the changes in TMJ when the growth is completed. It is necessary to study this problem on the bigger sample and the new methods as CT and artroscopy could be helpful.