Association between tooth loss and TMJ dysfunction

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Abstract
An analysis of the distribution of tooth losses in 521 [human] subjects having lost 1-14 teeth, disclosed a statistically significant association between the loss of maxillary 1st premolar and the presence of TMJ [temporomandibular joint] dysfunction. The association was evident on both sides. Maxillary 1st premolars were earlier shown to contact prematurely on hinge closure more often than the other teeth. The loss of other teeth seemed independent of the functional state of the stomatognathic system. TMJ dysfunction may predispose to the loss of the maxillary 1st premolar by direct trauma to the tooth and/or by speeding up periodontitis.