Association Between Chronic Periodontitis and Condylar Morphological Changes Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: An Observational Study

Al Abbady, Nora Aly; Fouad, Doaa Ahmed; Abou Hussein, Ghada Borhan; Mohamed, Eman Mamdouh

doi:10.21608/omx.2025.430634.1311

Association Between Chronic Periodontitis and Condylar Morphological Changes Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: An Observational Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Associate professor oral and maxillofacial radiology faculty of dentistry Cairo university

² Lecturer Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology department faculty of dentistry Cairo university

³ Lecturer Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University

10.21608/omx.2025.430634.1311

Abstract

Background: Chronic periodontitis is a widespread inflammatory condition that can progress, resulting in destruction of periodontal supporting structures, tooth loss and morphological changes of the condyle. The study aimed to assess the relationship between chronic periodontal (PD) conditions and condylar morphological changes in patients with and without temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) using CBCT. Methodology: This cross-sectional study examined 216 condyles using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), scans were divided into Group I (control) and Group II (TMD). Each condyle was assessed for the presence of condylar morphological changes as flattening, erosion, osteophyte and sclerosis. PD conditions were categorized into mild, moderate, and sever based on radiographic bone loss. Comparison between group I and II regarding baseline and clinical data was performed using Chi square test. The association between different PD conditions, condylar morphological changes, and age was assessed using Fisher’s Exact test. Results: Moderate PD was more prevalent in TMD patients 66.7%. Condylar changes were more observed in Group I (34.3%) compared to Group II (22.2%). No significant difference was noted for flattening, osteophytes, erosion, or sclerosis. Moderate periodontal disease was more prevalent in the TMD group and was also more common among older patients in both groups. In Group II, condylar changes were significantly more common in older age group (31.8%) compared to younger group (15.6%). Conclusion: No correlation was found between TMD related symptoms and condylar morphological changes in patients with chronic periodontitis.

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