Evaluation of Association Between Partial Edentulism of Jaws and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex system that is able to perform multiple functions, which is mainly involved with mastication and speech. Any injury to the TMJ will cause pain and difficulty in opening of the mouth. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) may arise when there is associated injury to TMJ and masticatory muscles. Thus, causing reduction of efficacy of its functions. The aetiology of TMDs can be multifactorial. Most common aetiology are changes of occlusion, denture wearer, faulty prosthesis, traumatic injury to TMJ and parafunctional habits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between partial edentulism of jaw and temporomandibular disorders. Among 86000 dental patients reported to our institution from June 2019 to March 2020, about 60 cases were included in the study by a simple random sampling method.These included 30 patients with temporomandibular disorder, and 30 patients without temporomandibular disorder. Any completely edentulous patients were excluded from the study. Each patient's dental records, treatment reports and photographs were reviewed thoroughly. Presence of Partial edentulism of jaws was marked and the areas of missing teeth in jaws, dental arches were recorded. Demographic details like age, gender was also recorded. The collected data was validated, tabulated and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows, version 23.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and results were obtained. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Prevalence of partial edentulism of jaws was seen more in females 35 patients (58.3%) compared to male 25 patients (41.7%).Partial edentulism of jaws was most prevalent in the age group of 31-40 years (46.7%).Missing teeth in the posterior region (86.7%) was more common than missing anterior teeth. Missing teeth in both upper and lower arch (40%) was higher compared to involvement of single arch. There was no statistically significant association present between TMD with area of missing teeth (chi square test, p =0.315). Also, there was no statistically significant association between TMD and arch involved (chi square test, p =0.637). Within the limit of study, prevalence of TMDs was not associated with partial edentulism of the jaws. Prevalence of partial edentulism of jaws was higher in females than in males, more in the middle age group than other age groups