Morphometric analysis of the mandibular fossa in dentate and edentulous patients: A cone beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Statement of problem: Mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination could be associated with the presence of bone changes in the mandibular condyle in dentate and edentulous patients. However, literature regarding the relationship between the presence and absence of teeth and the morphologic features of the temporomandibular joint is lacking. This knowledge could provide a better understanding of changes affecting the correct functioning of the stomatognathic system.

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination in relation to sex, presence or absence of teeth, and bone changes in the mandibular condyle through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and methods: CBCT scans of 100 individuals (50 dentate and 50 edentulous) were evaluated in terms of mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination. Bone changes in the mandibular condyle were classified dichotomously in relation to osteophytes, erosion, sclerosis, and flattening. Differences were assessed with the Student t test, the chi-square test, and 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Tukey post hoc tests (α=.05).

Results: Sex was not related to mandibular fossa measurements. Edentulous participants showed a higher mandibular fossa lateral inclination (P<.001) and lower roof thickness (P=.001) than dentate participants. When the association between bone changes in the mandibular condyle was evaluated in dentate and edentulous groups, only sclerosis showed a statistically significant association (P<.001). The 2-way ANOVA showed that the mandibular fossa roof thickness was lower in edentulous participants in the presence of flattening and erosion and that the mandibular fossa lateral inclination was higher in the presence of osteophytes, erosion, and sclerosis (P<.001). Among dentate participants, the mandibular fossa lateral inclination was higher in the presence of flattening (P=.024).

Conclusions: Mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination are not associated with sex. However, tooth absence and bone changes in the mandibular condyle are related to mandibular fossa measurements.