Abstract

Background: Many imaging technologies used to diagnose TMJ pathologies. MRI, corrected TM tomography, transcranial radiograph, OPG, and Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) are used to view TMJ. For many years CT scans had an good impact on TMJ imaging but high radiation dose, equipment size and cost had limited the use of CT scan. Low cost and variable dose of radiation and three dimensional scan favor the use of CBCT for TMJ imaging.

Aim: To derive data which might provide a baseline regarding optimum joint space as a diagnostic tool for early detection of TMD’s involving loss of joint space or leading to asymmetrical joint space.

Methods: The study included 62 patients (41 were males and 21 were females, having age of 30-60 years) having no temporomandibular joint symptoms clinically. .Their temporomandibular joints had optimum functioning with the all functional jaw movements coincident with maximum intercuspation. Temporomandibular joint space distances between the condyle and glenoid fossae were measured at the medial, central and lateral positions in coronal plane.

Results: Analysis showed the measurement of coronal medial surface (CMS), coronal central surface(CCS), coronal lateral surface (CLS) in males are 1.7mm, 2.5mm and 1.8mm. Conclusions: CBCT is a reliable tool for assessment of Temporomandibular anatomy and space. Study of normal anatomy will help in diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Keywords: Cone-beam-computed tomography, Condyle, Coronal space, Temporomandibular joint