Evaluation of the prevalence Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in completely Edentulous Syrian Patients Before and after the Delivery of New Complete Dentures: A Clinical Study

<ns3:p>Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common functional impairments affecting the maxillofacial region, with symptoms including joint pain, muscle tenderness, and limited mandibular movement. Complete edentulism exacerbates TMD due to loss of vertical dimension and altered mandibular posture. This study evaluated the prevalence of TMD symptoms in completely edentulous Syrian patients before and after receiving new complete dentures, while analyzing demographic and clinical correlates. Methods A prospective clinical study was conducted on 103 edentulous patients treated at Damascus University. Participants were examined using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD), Axis I, to assess joint and muscle symptoms before and six months after denture insertion. Clinical variables such as age, gender, and duration of edentulism were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results Significant reductions in TMD symptoms were observed post-treatment. TMJ sounds decreased from 24.3% to 3.9%, limited mouth opening from 22.3% to 2.9%, and muscle pain improved by 76.2–85.7%. Age and duration of edentulism showed strong positive correlations with TMD prevalence (p &lt; 0.05), while gender differences were not statistically significant. The highest symptom prevalence occurred in patients aged 71–90 (78.6%) and those edentulous for over 10 years (87.5%). Conclusions Prosthetic rehabilitation with complete dentures significantly alleviated TMD symptoms in edentulous patients, restoring mandibular function and reducing neuromuscular strain. Early intervention and standardized clinical evaluation are crucial for effective management. The findings underscore the importance of integrating TMD assessment into prosthetic treatment planning, particularly for older patients and those with prolonged edentulism.</ns3:p>