Five-year longitudinal study of adolescents with intact and restored dentitions: signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction and functional recordings

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and functional recordings were re-examined in subjects, 19-21 years of age, 5 years after the first examination. Thirty-seven subjects had restored dentitions at both examinations (group F), 13 subjects with previously intact dentitions had had fillings in their teeth during the follow-up period (group FI), and 14 subjects had intact dentitions at both examinations (group I). In agreement with the first examination, the subjects with restored dentitions had a higher degree and frequency of TMD than the subjects with intact teeth. Most of the symptoms were mild, but more severe symptoms were reported by the subjects in group F, and female subjects in group F had more signs than male subjects. The subjects who had received fillings during the follow-up period (group FI) constituted a group intermediate between group F and group I with regard to signs and symptoms of TMD. Frequent parafunction and more attrition were more common in group F. Together with the finding of increased muscle tenderness, this indicates more functional activity in restored dentitions. Correlation analysis did not reveal any relationship between occlusal factors and TMD. The findings of this study are consistent with those of the earlier investigation. Dental filling therapy appears to be an aetiological factor in TMD worthy of more consideration and more extensive research.