Temporomandibular joint disorders in children associated with early loss of first permanent molar

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between early loss of first permanent molar (FPM) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) symptoms in the children. Materials and Methods: 99 children (aged between 8 and 16) who had their FPM/s extracted at least two years ago were included in this study. The patients had clinical examination of oral status and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were also evaluated with TMD symptoms. The correlation between the number of FPM loss and TMD symptoms was statistically analyzed. Results: Only one FPM loss was recorded in 59 children, while 34 had two FPM loss and 7 had three or four FPM extracted. 10 of these children (10.1%) had at least one TMD symptoms. A positive correlation was found between the number of FPM loss and at least one TMD symptom. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown the early loss of FPM has significant impact on TMD. The occlusion variations associated with eruption sequence and early FPM loss should be carefully followed to prevent TMD.