Abstract

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative disease in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Structural changes in the osseous structure is associated with destructive changes such as erosion, flattening and other bony changes. Destructive degenerative changes quite often cause shortening of the condyles which eventually produces the changes in the occulsion and the facial profile which require orthorgnathic surgery and/or orthodontic treatment by the dental professional. The dentists need to understand the nature and the pathophysiology of the osteoarthritis in the TMJ for the better dental treatment, especially in orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment. The possibility of serious complication can not be avoided after any dental treatment is given to the patient if osteoarthritic changes in the TMJ is under progression as undiscovered.