Condylar Osseous Changes in Bruxism Patients using Digital Orthopantomogram - A Cross Sectional Study

Ravoori Bala Krishna Reddy¹, Sindhu P²*, GS Asokan³ and Angelinteena^4
1Resident intern, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai - 600 127, Tamil Nadu, India
²Senior Lecturer, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai - 600 127, Tamil Nadu, India
³Professor and Head, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai - 600 127, Tamil Nadu, India
⁴Senior Lecturer, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai - 600 127, Tamil Nadu, India
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Sindhu P, M.D.S, Senior Lecturer, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai - 600 127, Tamil Nadu, India.

Published: April 30, 2024

DOI: 10.55162/MCMS.06.211

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Abstract  

Introduction: Bruxism, characterized by involuntary teeth grinding, poses a significant oral health concern affecting a notable portion of the adult population.

Aim & Objective: To assess osseous changes in the mandibular condyle among patients with bruxism, considering age, gender, and specific temporomandibular joint conditions.

Methods: 246 individuals of age 18-40 years were screened and clinically evalluated for bruxism. Patients indicated for orthopantomogram [OPG] were utilized to study condylar osseous changes. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine age-related variations, gender-specific differences, and associations with tongue indentation, teeth attrition, and muscle hypertrophy.

Results: Age-related trends revealed tendencies towards surface flattening and osteophyte occurrence in the left condyle, while gender-specific variations highlighted higher frequencies of osteophyte and sclerosis in females and increased sclerosis in males, particularly in the right condyle. Tongue indentation and teeth attrition emerged as potential risk indicators, whereas the association with muscle hypertrophy requires further investigation.

Conclusion: Tailored diagnostic and management strategies are essential for addressing variations in bruxism prevalence and severity, considering age, gender, and specific TMJ conditions. Further research into the relationship between muscle hypertrophy and bruxism could provide valuable insights into TMJ disorder mechanisms.

Keywords: Bruxism; Orthopantomogram [OPG]; Condylar osseous changes

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