Cephalometric evaluation of condyle-fossa position in dentulous and edentulous subjects

Whenever there is loss of teeth and occlusion, it triggers a change in the functional and structural relationship of the mandible. Various physiologic factor such as age and changes in occlusion lead to specific remodeling changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the influence of dentition on condyle-fossa position by comparing this variable in dentulous and edentulous subjects using lateral cephalogram.

The study was conducted on 25 dentulous and 25 edentulous subjects, comprising of males and females, visiting Yenepoya University, Mangalore.

The age ranges of dentulous subjects were 25-30 years and edentulous subjects of 45-65 years with 1-5 years of edentulousness were chosen. Lateral cephalograms were taken, and various reference lines and planes were used to determine the center of condyle and center of the glenoid fossa.

The results were analyzed by SPSS version 7.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago) and statistical analysis used was t-test.

Condyle was placed upward and forward, and glenoid fossa was situated more anteriorly in edentulous subjects compared to dentulous subjects.

This study supports the concept that TMJ is an articular triad with two points of contact provided by TMJ and third contact by the dentition. Alteration in any one of these contact points will produce secondary morphological changes in other two points.