Changes in mandibular movement and occlusal condition after conservative treatment for condylar fractures.

PURPOSE

This study analyzed the changes in mandibular movement and occlusal condition after conservative treatment for unilateral condylar fractures by use of a sensitive occlusal pressure sheet (Dental Prescale; Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan) for the evaluation of occlusal condition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared 18 patients conservatively treated for unilateral condylar fracture with 23 control subjects. Mandibular movement and occlusal condition were evaluated at 3 and 6 months after conservative treatment.

RESULTS

Maximal mouth opening over 40 mm was achieved at 6 months but was not improved to the control level. Recovery of lateral excursion, protrusion, or deviation on mouth opening was also limited at 6 months. Occlusal area, which was reduced at 3 months, had significantly improved at 6 months. The asymmetry index of the occlusal area was significantly improved at 6 months compared with that at 3 months. Mean pressure in the patient group was significantly greater than that in the control group. Total occlusal force, which was reduced at 3 months, was significantly improved at 6 months. The asymmetry index of occlusal force, which was significantly greater than that in the control group, was significantly improved at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandibular movement was increased at 6 months despite the slight disturbance in lateral excursion to the nonfractured side and the presence of deviation on mouth opening. Occlusal area and occlusal force improved at 6 months, although mean pressure remained slightly higher than that in the control group.