Date of Award
Spring 2001
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Bradley, Thomas
Second Advisor
Iacopino, Anthony
Third Advisor
Stier, Erwin
Abstract
Asymmetry of the human mandible is well-documented. Although both genetic and environmental factors have been identified, little evidence exists to describe how the absence of teeth contributes to asymmetry. Some authors report these asymmetries as having a sidedness, where as, others have found asymmetry to be random in nature. Van Valen proposed a hypothesis that observed asymmetry is a case of "fluctuating asymmetry' in which either the right or left side can be larger. Another hypothesis describes mechanical activity of the jaw to be the impetus in developing asymmetries by translating forces to the craniofacial complex during mastication and other activity. The latter hypothesis has been thought to contribute to continuous remodeling of the mandible. This continuous remodeling has been demonstrated not only in the mandible but also the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Bjork demonstrated how loss of teeth increased the bony attachments of the lateral pterygoid muscle on the condyle and condylar neck. He proposed the increased muscle tension was needed to keep the condyle in the condylar fossa since no teeth were available to contribute. It is thought that increased activity of the lateral pterygoids is associated with temporomanclibular joint dysfunction (TMD). An increased horizontal condylar angle has also been associated with TMD. A logical progression is that an increased condylar angle might be related to increased lateral pterygoid activity, and hence, tooth loss might cause an increased condylar angle. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a cause and effect relationship of the number of teeth in the mandible to mandibular asymmetry and also to study the relationship of condylar angle to tooth loss and other mandibular anatomical structures in a specific racial population.
Recommended Citation
Kozak, Bryon R., "The Relationship of Tooth Loss to Mandibular Asymmetry" (2001). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 5177.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/5177