The influence of the loss of teeth and attrition on the articular eminence.

A review of the literature revealed that changes in the articular eminence associated with changes in the dentition were usually overlooked in most reports. An attempt was made to determine whether changes in attrition and loss of teeth would correlate with a change (decreased angulation) in the articular eminence. The population consisted of 103 adult skulls and mandibles of both sexes and three different races. They included partial and totol edentulism, mild to severe attrition, and complete dentitions in good condition. An impression of each of the 206 articular eminences was made and the angulation established. The data were transferred to computer cards and a statistical analysis performed. The level of significance for each of the variables was established and conclusions were made.