CBCT evaluation of temporomandibular joint changes in patients with oral submucous fibrosis

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) causes reduced mouth opening and when jaw movement is limited for a long time, it can change the shape and structure of the TMJ, including the condyle. Therefore, it is of interest to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to examine TMJ bone changes in OSMF patients and compared them to healthy individuals. The OSMF group showed more cases of condylar flattening, cortical erosion, osteophyte formation and reduced superior joint space. Thus, severe OSMF was linked to greater TMJ changes. Thus, CBCT is a useful tool for early detection and through assessment of TMJ changes in OSMF patients.