Functioning of the Masticatory System in Patients with an Alloplastic Total Temporomandibular Joint Prostheses Compared with Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Study

Background: Most patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues are successfully treated with nonsurgical methods. However, when end-stage TMJ pathologies occur, invasive management can be required, such as a total TMJ replacement. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to provide insight into the functioning of the masticatory system, pain, and patient satisfaction in patients treated with a total joint replacement (TJR). Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to determine the postoperative clinical results of an alloplastic TJR TMJ. Masticatory performance and also insight into maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF), active and passive maximum mouth opening (aMMO/pMMO), pain, and patient satisfaction were measured. Masticatory performance, MVBF, and aMMO of patients with a TJR TMJ were compared with healthy individuals. Results: Masticatory performance is equal between patients with a TJR TMJ and healthy individuals, but both MVBF and aMMO were significantly smaller in patients with a TJR TMJ. However, patients had almost no pain and were very satisfied with the TJR TMJ treatment. Conclusion: This study revealed that most patients with an alloplastic TJR TMJ were able to function without pain, showed good masticatory performance, and were highly satisfied with their alloplastic TJR TMJ. However, MVBF and aMMO were lower than in healthy individuals.