The relationship between the oblique sagittal temporomandibular joint disc position and the volume surface area of the condyle in young TMD adults

Quantitative and qualitative condylar changes Post-Stabilization splint in patients with temporomandibular disorder and chewing side preference

This study aimed to explore the quantitative (joint spaces, condylar position, morphology, and fossa) and qualitative (bone mineral density (BMD), condylar volume (CV), and condylar surface area (CSA)) therapeutic outcomes following a stabilization splint (S.S.) therapy in adult patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (Arthralgia) with/without chewing side preference (CSP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study included 64 patients divided into two groups: 32 with TMD + CSP and 32 with TMD only. TMD was diagnosed using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) AXIS I. The Observed Preferred Chewing Side (OPCS) and State Preferred Chewing Side (SPCS) methods assessed CSP status. CBCT scanned the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) before (T0) and after (T1) treatment for three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Statistical comparisons were made using the Wilcoxon signed ranks and Mann-Whitney U tests. The treatment duration ranged from 6 to 12 months, with an average of 9.5 months. In the TMD + CSP group, significant differences were observed between pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) for joint space measures, including (SJS, PJS, and CLS) on the preferred side (p-value = 0.04; 0.00; 0.02, respectively), with significant differences for the balancing side in (SJS, PJS, and CMS) (p-value = 0.01; 0.03; 0.016 respectively). The TMD group showed significant changes in (AJS) on both symptomatic and contralateral sides (p-value = 0.015; 0.01 respectively). Morphologically, significant differences were noted in condyle width (CL2) in the TMD + CSP group on the preferred side between T0 and T1, along with significant differences in intra-group comparison in fossa height (FH), fossa width (FW), and articular eminence (θ) at T0, with FW and θ remaining significant at T1 (p-value = 0.01; 0.02; 0.01; 0.00, and 0.04 respectively). The TMD group exhibited significant changes in condylar length (CL1) on both sides between T0 and T1 (p-value = 0.03; 0.01 respectively). Qualitatively, BMD disturbance was significant in the TMD + CSP on the preferred side group across the majority of slopes when compared to the balancing side between T0 and T1 and for intragroup comparison at T0 and T1, while in TMD group showed changes on the symptomatic side in (AS) only when compared to the contralateral side between T0 and T1and for intragroup comparison at T0 (p-value = 0.035; 0.045; and 0.01 respectively). Additionally, significant differences in CV and CSA were observed in the TMD + CSP group on the preferred side between T0 and T1 (p-value = 0.04; 0.03 respectively), with intra-group comparisons highlighting significant differences in both CV and CSA at T0 and T1 (p-value = 0.01; 0.02; < 0.001; 0.03, respectively). The co-occurrence of TMD + CSP exacerbates TMD severity and affects both quantitative and qualitative measures. This condition leads to asymmetrical condylar positions, distinct morphological changes, and imbalance in BMD, increasing the risk of degenerative changes over time.

Characteristics of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Patients With Condylar Erosion: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Condylar erosion (CE) may indicate an active progressive stage of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), but no studies have analysed the characteristics of this population.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study analysed the characteristics of TMJOA patients with CE.

METHODS

A total of 267 patients were included. The severity of CE of all joints was evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and scored using a four-point rating scale (0-III). Patients were categorised into mild (grade I), moderate (grade II) and severe (grade III) groups. Demographic and clinical characteristics were summarised and stratified by age and erosion severity. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed based on the assignment of the variables.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients under 30 years old is much higher than other age groups. Compared to adults (≥ 20 years old), a higher proportion of adolescent patients (10-19 years old) choose orthodontics department for their first consultation (p < 0.01). And adolescent patients have a higher proportion of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noise (p < 0.05) and a lower proportion of arthralgia (p < 0.001). Significant differences exist in CE severity between adolescents and adults (p < 0.001). The severe group had the youngest patients (p < 0.05) and the highest proportion of mandibular deviation and abnormal postural habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients under 30 years of age constitute a significant proportion of TMJOA cases with CE. Compared to adults, adolescent patients have more severe CE and less arthralgia. Due to obvious dental and maxillofacial deformities and milder TMJ symptoms, adolescent patients may not be aware that they have TMJ disease, potentially leading to delayed treatment.

Nanochemistry of gold: from surface engineering to dental healthcare applications

Advancements in nanochemistry have led to the development of engineered gold nanostructures (GNSs) with remarkable potential for a variety of dental healthcare applications. These innovative nanomaterials offer unique properties and functionalities that can significantly improve dental diagnostics, treatment, and overall oral healthcare applications. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in the design, synthesis, and application of GNSs for dental healthcare applications. Engineered GNSs have emerged as versatile tools, demonstrating immense potential across different aspects of dentistry, including enhanced imaging and diagnosis, prevention, bioactive coatings, and targeted treatment of oral diseases. Key highlights encompass the precise control over GNSs' size, crystal structure, shape, and surface functionalization, enabling their integration into sensing, imaging diagnostics, drug delivery systems, and regenerative therapies. GNSs, with their exceptional biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, have demonstrated efficacy in combating dental caries, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and oral mucosal diseases. Additionally, they show great promise in the development of advanced sensing techniques for early diagnosis, such as nanobiosensor technology, while their role in targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and immunomodulatory approaches has opened new avenues for oral cancer therapy. Challenges including long-term toxicity, biosafety, immune recognition, and personalized treatment are under rigorous investigation. As research at the intersection of nanotechnology and dentistry continues to thrive, this review highlights the transformative potential of engineered GNSs in revolutionizing dental healthcare, offering accurate, personalized, and minimally invasive solutions to address the oral health challenges of the modern era.