The Prevalence of TMD in the Individuals Without a few Posterior Teeth

Abstract

Background: Several studies on different aspects of TMD have been conducted in both complete edentulous patients and in dentate individuals. But there are few studies in partial edentulous patients with more occlusal destruction. In addition, there are some controversies about the role of supportive natural teeth as an etiologic or perpetuating factor in TMD. The aim of this epidemiologic survey was to find the relationship between TMD and dental condition in partial edentulous patients.Materials and Method: One hundred forty subjects were selected for this investigation. The degree of dental invalidity was classified by Eichner’s index. The severity of clinical signs and symtomes of TMD was assessed by Helkimo’s clinical Index. Finally, for each Eichner’s classification, Dysfunction index (Di) was evaluated and then compared.Results: The distribution of the patients according to the number of supportive zones by natural teeth was as follow: group A: Dio 60%, DiI 34%, DiII 4%, Group B 1: Dio 29%, DiI 51%, DiII 20%, Group B2: DiI 51%, DiII 41%, DiIII 8%, Group C: Dio 19%, DiI 37%, DiII 31%, DiIII 13%.Conclusion: A significant relationship was found between the reduced supporting zones by natural teeth and dysfunction index (p<0.001), i.e. group A had the lowest and group C had the highest Dysfunction Index (Di).Key words: Temporomandibular Dysfunction, Helkimo Index, Supportive zones, Eichner’s Index