Frequency of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfuction in Patients Wearing Conventional Complete Dentures

Abstract

Background: A group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions known as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) primarily affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and associated structures.

Objectives: To assess the frequency of Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) at three specific intervals of one month, three months, six months following the use of conventional complete dentures.

Materials and Methods: The study is Descriptive case series and was conducted at the Department of Prosthodontics, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore over a period of six months, from 22 June 2024 to 22 December 2024. Fifty complete denture wearers were evaluated using a modified Helkimo's dysfunction index (DI) at one, three, and six months. The DI assessed mandibular opening, deviation, pain, and joint sounds. TMD was considered present if the DI score was ≥1. The data were analyzed descriptively, and inferential tests (e.g., chi-square) were not performed since TMD was not observed in any participants.

Result: The mean age of participants was 64.34 ± 4.134 years. Among them, 27 (54%) were male and 23 (46%) were female. No patient demonstrated clinically significant signs of TMD during the six-month follow-up, irrespective of age, gender, education, socioeconomic status, BMI, and duration of edentulism.

Conclusion: During the six-month follow-up, no patients wearing conventional complete dentures showed signs meeting the criteria for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. These observations are based on a limited sample size and follow-up period.

Keywords: Conventional complete dentures, Temporomandibular joint dysfunction