Dental rehabilitation following surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: An interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJ) is a condition affecting mastication, speech, appearance, and oral hygiene to a major extent. The disease is manifested by restriction to complete failure of theTMJ movement due to fibrous or bony union between the condylar head and glenoid fossa. This case report describes a case of a 13-year-old girl with inability to open the mouth along with fractured and discolored anterior teeth due to trauma. Patient was diagnosed as unilateral bony TMJ ankylosis left side and managed by surgical procedure interpositional arthroplasty followed by physiotherapy. Following satisfactory mouth opening, the required dental rehabilitation procedures were done. Combined efforts of pediatric dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a detailed history, clinical and radiographic assessment helps in correct diagnosis and providing immediate surgical intervention along with the management of associated dental complications in order to reestablish physical and psychological health of the child patient.