Radiographic condylar findings and occlusal imbalance in old people.

The radiographic condylar findings of 293 old people (76, 81 and 86 years old) were investigated using panoramic radiography. One hundred and twenty four subjects were clinically edentulous, and 169 had at least one natural tooth left. Condylar findings were observed in 16% of the edentulous subjects, and in 25% of the dentate subjects. Over 95% of the findings were radiographic signs often associated with osteoarthrosis. Condylar findings were more common in edentulous women (18%) than in edentulous men (9%) (P < 0.05). Imbalanced occlusion was assessed using the Eichner index. This index describes the existing occlusal support zones, dividing the dentition into three main classes. When natural dentition and fixed constructions were included 70% of the population had no occlusal contacts. With removable dentures included, class A (contacts in four support zones) represented 74% and class C (no occlusal contacts) 4% of the subjects. Three per cent of the men and 0.5% of the women had no occlusal contacts even then. Imbalanced occlusion showed no association with condylar findings; neither were there any significant differences in the condylar findings between the sexes in the dentate subjects, between the age groups, or between the dentate and edentulous groups.