Temporomandibular joint disorders among implant patients in relation to bite force

Background: The installation of dental implants may impair the temporomandibular joint’s ability to operate by altering bite force. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare dental implant patients with partially and fully dentate patients in terms of temporomandibular joint issues related to maximal bite force measurement. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients with dental implants aged 50–60 years old were compared to 90 with partial and 90 with complete dentition patients who were age and gender matched. The incidence and severity of temporomandibular joint problems among patients were assessed using Helkimo anamnestic and clinical dysfunction indices. By using a biting force sensor, maximum occlusal bite force was measured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as reported at a US-based corporation. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 22.0 (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois). Results: According to the data, patients in the fully dentate group had larger percentages of Helkimo anamnestic symptom-free and clinically no dysfunction than those patients in implant and partially edentulous groups. Patients in the partially edentulous group were more likely to have Helkimo anamnestic mild and severe symptoms, as well as clinical mild, moderate, and severe dysfunction than patients in the other two groups. These data, however, did not show a statistically significant association. Data analysis revealed that maximum bite force measurements were significantly different between groups for all Helkimo anamnestic and clinical indices. Conclusion: Following oral implant therapy, the function of the temporomandibular joint was affected. In addition, bite force measures decreased as temporomandibular disorder symptoms became more severe.