Occlusal Analysis Using T-Scan in Patients With Condylar Fractures When Managed by Closed Method

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Research

Background:

• Mandibular condyle fractures can significantly impact occlusion and masticatory function.
• Non-surgical management is a common treatment approach, but its long-term effects on occlusal forces require detailed assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate occlusal changes in patients with mandibular condyle fractures using T-Scan technology.
• To analyze the correlation between objective T-Scan data and subjective occlusal assessments post-treatment.

Main Methods:

• Twenty patients with mandibular condyle fractures received non-surgical treatment with Erich arch bars and guiding elastics.
• Occlusion was periodically assessed using T-Scan III, alongside clinical evaluations, over a six-month follow-up period.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in Maximum Bite Force and Bite Force at Maximum Intercuspation from pre-operative to follow-up evaluations.
• Mouth opening significantly improved by the six-month mark.
• Subjective occlusal evaluations showed significant differences between pre-operative and early post-operative stages, stabilizing by three months.

Conclusions:

• Non-surgical management of mandibular condyle fractures leads to significant improvements in maximum bite force, intercuspation, and mouth opening within six months.
• The center of force shows no significant alteration in the post-trauma period, suggesting functional adaptation.
• Further long-term studies are warranted to understand the complete equilibration of bite forces after condylar trauma.