Radiographic study of changes in the mandibular condyle after implant prosthodontic rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this follow-up investigation was to assess the influence of clinical variables after implant prosthodontic rehabilitation in patients without temporomandibular disorders on alterations of condylar morphology as seen radiographically.


METHODS
In 167 patients, the condylar findings of flattening, erosion, osteophytes, and sclerosis were scored according to severity on rotational panoramic radiographs. Findings were followed up on images taken before and on average 5 years after implant prosthodontic rehabilitation. Changes were analyzed in relation to age, gender, initial radiologic status, and occlusal support pre- and posttreatment, according to Eichner groups, by logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
The majority of patients did not show structural alterations over the follow-up period, regardless of whether the condyle was already affected at the outset of the investigation. Condyles unaffected at the time of the first radiograph made up the majority of increases in radiographic score. Flattening and sclerosis were cumulative, whereas erosions and osteophytes had a more transient character. There was no influence of the mentioned clinical or radiographic findings on the development of changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Over the investigated period, the incidence of all four noted findings doubled. However, the statistical methods employed could not detect any influence of patient variables or the insertion of implant-retained prosthodontics on the development of condylar changes in this specific patient group. Both assertions reflect the complexity of the topic.
Lachmann
Stefan
S
Department of Prosthodontics and Dental Material Sciences, Center for Oral Medicine and Dentistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Germany. stefan.lachmann@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Engel
Eva-Maria
EM
Axmann
Detlef
D
Weber
Heiner
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005096:Exostoses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010026:Osteosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology*