Histological Evaluation of the Temporomandibular Joint after Producing Artificial Traumatic Occlusion in Dogs

Statement of Problem: Traumatic occlusion can have an adverse effect on the temporomandibular joint tissue. Purpose: This study aims to determine the histological alteration in dog-s’ temporomandibular joints due to production of artificial traumatic oc clusion. Materials and Methods: Twenty dogs were divided into a control gro up of four and two equal experimental groups. Unilateral occlusal interf erences were created on the mandibular right first molars in the experim ental groups. We established two experimental periods: one week and 45 days. After vital perfusion, the TMJs were separated for preparation, pig mentation, and examination by a pathologist. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisherʹs exact test were used to analyze the data. P.value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The findings showed no inflammatory changes in the TMJ. Increased fibrosis was found in 56.30% and vascularization in 28.12% of the disks. Fibrotic changes were detected in 46.87% and vascularization in 28.12% of the condyles. The glenoid fossas suffered from fibrosis in 15.62% of the cases. Conclusion: Traumatic occlusion leads to histopathological alterations including an increase in the fibrosis tissue and vascularization in the condyle and disk.