Evaluation of the articular eminence and the occlusal surface of the molars by cone beam computed tomography

© Copyright 2019 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved. The objective of this study was to utilize cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the posterior slope of the articular eminence and the lateral slope of the mandibular fossa in relation to the cusp-fossa angle of the first molars. The evaluation included 93 CBCT images from 93 patients aged 16-30 years. The angle of the posterior slope of the articular eminence was determined from the intersection of a line tangent to the uppermost point of the mandibular fossa and another line tangent to the slope of the anterior wall of the mandibular fossa. The angle of the mandibular fossa slope was determined from the intersection of a line tangent to the most superior point of the mandibular fossa and another line tangent to the slope of the lateral wall of the mandibular fossa. The cusp-fossa relationship of the maxillary and mandibular first molars was also verified on the CBCTs. There was a correlation between the angles of the mandibular left first molar fossa and the lateral slope of the left mandibular fossa. There was also a correlation between the cusp height of the mandibular left first molar and the angle of the lateral slope of the right mandibular fossa. Dentists should consider anatomical factors during restorative, prosthodontic, and orthodontic treatment planning, especially for treatment that will affect the molars, to prevent the development of occlusal interferences that can trigger temporomandibular disorders.