[Histopathological study of miniature pig temporomandibular joint after missing teeth of one side]

This study evaluated the histologic response of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following one side posterior teeth extraction in miniature pig. Right posterior teeth were removed in 12 miniature pigs. Six of them were killed after 1 month and the other six after 3 monthes. 6 miniature pigs were taken as control. We found that obvious degenerative changes were common in all TMJs of the experimental pigs. Hyaline thrombus found in the condyles of posterior teeth losing side suggested that local microcirculation was disturbed. Missing one side posterior teeth had various influence on two side TMJs. Both TMJs changes were not identical, and the changes were more marked in teeth lost side than in control side. The results comfirm that occlusal disturbance can cause degenerative change of the TMJ.