Abstract:

Objective: The human condyle is capable of remodelling over time as numerous factors such as age, sex, occlusal force, malocclusion, and skeletal relationship influence this remodelling. This change in shape can lead to the numerous symptoms of degenerative joint disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the different morphologies of the condyle in different age groups at the Faculty of Dentistry, …. University, …., using orthopantomography. Material and Method: A total of 681 panoramic radiographs obtained for this study. The study group consists of 399 female and 282 male individuals aged between 15-55 years. Articular eminence and glenoid fossa regions of the mandibular condyle was traced. The mandibular condyle morphology was classified into six types such as oval, birdbeak, diamond, flat, crooked finger and bifid. Intergroup differences were evaluated with Chi-square and McNemar tests. (p<0.05) Result: A total of 1362 right and left condyles of 681 patients were examined. The most common shape among the six condylar types -regardless of age and gender- was oval condylar morphology, followed by flat, diamond-shaped, crooked finger, birdbeak, and bifid. Conclusion: As a result of the examination of condyle shapes in individuals with different ages on panoramic radiographs, the process of remodelling of the temporomandibular joint condyle over time was observed. The differences found between the age groups are interpreted to be related to the cumulative increase in the amount of functional loading to which the condyle is exposed with increasing age.