Correlation of condylar morphology in bruxers and non-bruxers using cone beam computed tomography

Background – Bruxism (BX), the most common parafunctional habit, is reported widely in young adults due to excessive stress and sleep abnormalities. BX, if left undiagnosed and untreated, over a period of time may cause pathologic alteration in morphology of mandibular condyle leading to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Hence, this study aims to evaluate and correlate condylar morphology in bruxers and non-bruxers using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods – This Institutional Ethics Committee approved combined cohort study comprised of 100 patients which were equally divided into groups. The study group involved the patients with habit of BX who were diagnosed based on the questionnaire while control group patients were recruited retrospectively whose all clinical and radiologic data was available. The patients were evaluated using CBCT for condylar morphological alterations which included flattening, sclerosis, surface erosion and osteophytes Results – Regarding the pathologic alterations, flattening 26(52%) and sclerosis 31(62%) were observed in bruxers which was found to be statistically significant on comparison with non-bruxers. Similarly, surface erosion 4(8%) and osteophytes 14(28%) were also noted in bruxers, however on comparison between two groups the results were statistically not significant. Interestingly, non-bruxers also showed pathologic alterations like osteophytes 16(32%) and surface erosion 9(18%), though asymptomatic which became the point to be focused on. Conclusion – BX leads to alteration in morphology of mandibular condyle which can lead to onset of TMDs. The evaluation of these alterations can greatly help to recognize TMDs at their early stage. The prompt intervention with patient education, and conservative approach can be inculcated at this stage so as to halt the progress of the condition. Nevertheless, the present study described the possible causes for morphological alterations in mandibular condyle as observed in non-bruxers in this study. Trial Registration: The study has been registered under Clinical trial registry - India (CTRI registration number: CTRI/2023/05/052782) on 17/05/2023.