TMJ & Its role in Prosthodontia: A Systematic Review

Aim The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate importance of TMJ and assessing the prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) among the general population. Methodology Five main electronic databases and three grey literature were searched to identify observational studies in which TMJD was diagnosed using the research diagnostic criteria (RDC/TMD) or diagnostic criteria (DC/TMD). The studies were blindly selected by two reviewers based on eligibility criteria. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist, and the “R” Statistics software was used to perform meta-analyses. Results From 2741 articles, 21 were included. Ten studies were judged at low RoB, seven at moderate, and four at high. The TMJD investigated were as follows: arthralgia, disk displacement (DDs) with reduction (DDwR), DDwR with intermittent locking, DDs without reduction (DDwoR) with limited opening, DDwoR without limited opening, degenerative joint disease (DJD), osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis, and subluxation. The main results from prevalence overall meta-analyses for adults/elderly are as follows: TMJD (31.1%), DDs (19.1%), and DJD (9.8%). Furthermore, for children/adolescents are as follows: TMJD (11.3%), DDs (8.3%), and DJD (0.4%). Considering the individual diagnosis meta-analyses, the most prevalent TMJD is DDwR for adults/elderly (25.9%) and children/adolescents (7.4%).