The purpose of this study is to develop a reproducible and reliable method for evaluating the masseter's functional state by measuring the masseter muscle with ultrasonography (US).Methods: Methods: Nineteen healthy adults (9 males, 10 females) were the subjects of this study. During US scanning, the image was taken from the thickest part of the masseter muscle in the image. To evaluate changes in thickness during masseter function, US images were taken of the participant's masseter muscle at rest and during clenching. In this study, US scanning was conducted using two approaches to compare the difference in masseter muscle thickness determined when inducing maximum bite force (MBF).Results: Results: All 19 subjects completed US scanning of the masseter muscle at rest and during clenching under the conventional method and the articulation paper method. There was no difference in masseter muscle thickness measured at rest. However, the thickness of the masseter muscles determined by the articulation paper during jaw clenching was greater than that measured by the conventional method. Conclusions: Conclusions: In conclusion, using the US for masseter muscle evaluation can offer objective and functional information on the masseter muscle. A standardized US scanning method needs to be developed to obtain reproducible and reliable information on the masseter muscle at rest and during clenching. In particular, generating MBF using an articulation paper can be a reproducible and reliable method of measuring the functional state of the masseter muscle.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a condition in which condylar movement is restricted because of fibrous or bony union between the mandibular condyle and temporal bone. TMJ ankylosis is most often caused by trauma, followed by systemic or local infection, and secondary to unknown causes. Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing TMJ ankylosis and establishing a treatment plan. Computed tomography (CT) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is currently the imaging technique of choice to accurately demonstrate preoperative ankylosing masses and other surgically important findings, such as the shape of the mandibular condyle and the pathological changes in the joint. The osseous changes in the mandibular condyle are easily identified in the coronal and sagittal sections of CT or CBCT images. This report describes the case of a middle-aged woman who developed TMJ ankylosis of the left TMJ while undergoing repeated treatment for TMJ disease. We report the findings observed on radiographic and CBCT images through continuous observation.

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) causes destruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and can lead to occlusal changes such as anterior open bite in some patients. Consequently, these patients may experience difficulty in chewing food items and exhibit abnormal functional habits such as bruxism, preventing healing of the TMJ condyles. Treatment protocols include the use of traction appliances to reduce stress on the condyles. Unstable occlusions can lead to weakness of the masticatory muscles which, in turn, worsen the occlusal changes and complicate pain management. Therefore, the current study evaluated the condition of the masseter muscle using ultrasonography and educated patients on the execution of gum-chewing exercises for muscle strengthening. It also aimed to assess the effects of traction appliances and strengthening exercises on the masticatory muscles of patients with occlusal changes caused by TMJ OA.

Osteomyelitis in the oral and maxillofacial area is a relatively uncommon inflammatory disease that occurs due to odontogenic causes such as endodontic infection, facial trauma, insufficient blood supply caused by some medical conditions, and iatrogenic postoperative infections. Among them, the incidence rate of candida osteomyelitis in this area is minimal; therefore, no consensus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis has not been established yet. With the increasing number of immunocompromised elderly patients, candida osteomyelitis of the jaw is expected to become more prevalent. In this case report, we present an 81-year-old male patient with candida osteomyelitis of the jaw, including the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses.

The goal of this study was to investigate the causative factors related to the stress of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) by evaluating salivary cortisol concentration in young adult TMD patients and control groups.Methods: Methods: Saliva was obtained from 32 young adult TMDs patients and 34 control patients without a history of TMDs who visited Chosun University Dental Hospital between June 1 and August 31, 2021. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to measure the salivary cortisol concentration. Results: Results:The salivary cortisol concentration in the TMD patient group and the control group differed significant significantly (p<0.05). The salivary cortisol concentration according to the duration of the clinical symptom of TMD differed significantly difference between the two groups in the male. The salivary cortisol concentration according to perceived stress level differed significantly in the mild and moderate groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in salivary cortisol concentration between the two groups related to bruxism or clenching (p>0.05). Conclusions: Conclusions:The salivary cortisol concentration in the TMD patient group and the control group showed statistical relevance, indicating that stress was a causative factor.