Yazd Journal of Dental Research

Introduction: The association between missing posterior teeth and development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this was evaluation of the relation between missed posterior teeth and temporomandibular joint disorder.

Methods: In this case- control  study, 102 patients  with missing posterior teeth and 102 with all posterior teeth were selected. The TMD examination were performed in all patients and TMD were recorded  for  two groups. Then, the data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 16 software, Chi-square and T-test.

Results: The sample consisted of 106 (%52) men and 98 (%48) women, with the mean age of 27.02±4.87 years, and the age range 15-35 years. There was significant relationship between the missed posterior teeth and prevalence of Temporomandibular joint Disorder (TMD) (P<0.001). Although there was difference among the to prevalence of Temporomandibular joint Disorder (TMD) between two groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The results indicated that individuals who lose posterior teeth, have a higher prevalence of Temporomandibular joint Disorder(TMD).