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

ABSTRACT

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.