Condylar remodeling accompanying splint therapy: a cone-beam computerized tomography study of patients with temporomandibular joint disk displacement.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate osseous changes accompanying anterior repositioning splint (ARS) therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disk displacement.

STUDY DESIGN

Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) data of 36 patients with intermittent or permanent closed-lock were used; 23 patients with permanent closed-lock had their displaced disks physically reduced by mandibular manipulation before ARS therapy. CBCT was performed before and ≈ 6 months after ARS therapy. The presence and location of "double contour" images suggesting condylar bone remodeling were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The "double contour" images after ARS therapy were observed in ≈ 80% of patients, more frequently in joints with signs of displaced disks. The "double contour" appeared more often on the posterior bevel as well as the medial and middle part of condyles (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

ARS therapy can facilitate regenerative remodeling of condyles. CBCT is a useful tool for monitoring osseous changes in condyles.