Effects of experimental loss of teeth on the temporomandibular joint

A review is presented of the effects of loss of teeth, with impaired occlusal stabilization, on the temporomandibular joint in experimental animals. Loss of teeth, with subsequent abnormal loading of the temporomandibular joint, leads to histomorphological, pathological and pathophysiological changes in the articular cartilages, the articular disc, the synovium, and the bony articular components. The severity of the changes increases with increasing age, and an existing arthritis of the joint is aggravated by impaired occlusal stabilization. The experimentally induced changes resemble those in human subjects with extensive loss or extensive attrition of teeth.