Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study assessed the association of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) with posterior edentulism using the Helkimo Index in 100 individuals from Jaipur Dental College. METHODOLOGY: This study involved 100 participants aged 35-70 years with posterior edentulism, selected randomly over 8 months. Group I compared TMD in unilateral versus bilateral posterior missing teeth, and Group II compared patients with and without dentures. RESULTS: In Group I, bilateral edentulous patients reported higher incidences of clicking sounds, jaw rigidity, jaw fatigue, difficulty in opening the mouth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and mandibular luxation compared to unilateral edentulous patients. Notably, unilateral edentulism showed no occurrences of jaw rigidity, difficulty in opening the mouth, TMJ pain, or pain during mandibular movement. Locked mandibles were absent in both bilateral and unilateral cases. In Group II, complete denture wearers exhibited more clicking sounds, jaw fatigue, difficulty in opening the mouth, and mandibular luxation than those without dentures. However, nondenture wearers reported higher levels of TMJ pain. Removable partial denture users showed minimal symptoms, with no observed pain during mandibular movement in this group. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a significant association between posterior edentulism and TMD symptoms, with bilateral edentulism and complete denture wearers showing higher prevalence. Timely rehabilitation can help reduce TMD risk and improve oral health outcomes. Bilateral edentulism and denture wearers showed higher TMD prevalence, with significant differences in Anamnestic and Dysfunction Index scores, emphasizing the importance of timely rehabilitation to mitigate TMD symptoms.