Quantitative and morphological studies on the trabecular bones in the condyloid processes of the Japanese mandibles. Comparisons between dentulous and edentulous specimens.

Using dentulous and edentulous specimens, mathematical morphology was applied to quantities bone morphology measurements, of the trabecular bones in the condyloid processes, which form the temporomandibular joint and are the center of mandibular motion. There is a tendency for trabecular bone density and width in edentulous specimens to be comparatively lower than for dentulous specimens and a similar decrease in continuity of the trabecular bones. Values for specific length are highest in dentulous specimens, indicating a greater degree of interlocking. A degree of regularity is observed in trabecular bone orientation; in edentulous specimens trabecular bones other than major ones are fewer and thinner.