Functional evaluation after TMJ surgery

Oral function was evaluated in 30 patients (25 women and five men) after TMJ surgery by means of bite force measurements. Twenty-seven discectomies and three condylectomies had been performed. The follow-up period was, on average, 2.5 years. The mean bite force values on the function level 'biting as when chewing' was for the whole group 125.3 N on the right side and 128.8 N on the left side. The maximal bite force was on average 362.5 N and maximal endurance time on average 32 s. All test results showed big ranges. No significant differences between right and left side or operated and non-operated side could be found on the tested function level 'biting as when chewing'. The found bite force values were high in comparison with another similar study. The results were also compared with another group of patients (n = 6) who were examined before and 6 months after surgery. As far as bite force reflects oral function the results are indeed very encouraging.