Fractured Condyles
and Condyles Resorption
What Is a Fractured Condyle?
The condyles are the rounded ends of the lower jawbone (mandible) that fit into the TMJ socket, allowing smooth movement. A fractured condyle occurs when one or both condyles break due to direct trauma or excessive force.
Common Causes of Fractured Condyles
- Facial injuries – Falls, sports accidents, or car crashes
- Physical altercations – A punch or impact to the lower jaw
- Sudden jaw impact – Biting down on something extremely hard
- Severe bruxism (teeth grinding) – In rare cases, extreme clenching can contribute to fractures
Signs and Symptoms
- Jaw pain and swelling – Discomfort in one or both sides of the face
- Limited mouth opening – Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the joint
- Bite misalignment (malocclusion) – Teeth may no longer meet properly
- Bruising or tenderness around the joint
How We Diagnose Fractured Condyles?
- 3D Cone Beam CT scans – High-resolution imaging for precise fracture assessment
- MRI scans – Evaluates soft tissue and cartilage involvement
- Digital occlusal analysis – Identifies bite misalignment caused by the fracture
1. Conservative Management (for mild fractures)
- Soft diet – Reduces strain on the joint
- Anti-inflammatory medication – Relieves pain and swelling
- Physical therapy & jaw exercises – Restores mobility
- Custom TMJ splints – Stabilizes the bite for optimal healing
2. Surgical Treatment (for severe fractures)
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) – Uses small plates and screws to realign the condyle
- TMJ arthroscopy or reconstruction – Needed for complex fractures affecting joint function
⚠️ Untreated fractures can lead to chronic TMJ dysfunction, arthritis, and long-term bite misalignment. Early intervention is key.
What Is Condylar Resorption?
Unlike fractures that happen suddenly, condylar resorption is a gradual loss of bone in the condyle, leading to facial changes, joint instability, and bite misalignment. This condition is often progressive and difficult to detect early, as symptoms may develop slowly over time.
Who Is at Risk?
- Young women (15-35 years old) – Particularly after orthodontic treatment
- Individuals who have undergone major bite adjustments – Braces, aligners, or jaw surgery
- People with autoimmune conditions – Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or chronic inflammation
- Patients with chronic TMJ stress – Misaligned bites, bruxism (grinding), or clenching
What Causes Condylar Resorption?
- Orthodontic changes – Bite modifications that put stress on the TMJ
- Autoimmune disorders – The immune system mistakenly attacks the joint
- Hormonal factors – Estrogen imbalances may play a role in bone resorption
- Chronic inflammation – Long-term stress on the joint wears down bone over time
Symptoms to Watch For
- Gradual shortening of the lower face – A receding chin or sunken appearance
- Bite misalignment – Upper and lower teeth no longer meet correctly
- TMJ discomfort – Persistent or worsening jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing or speaking – Jaw feels weak or unstable
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the TMJ
How We Diagnose Condylar Resorption
- 3D condylography – Tracks real-time jaw movement to detect abnormalities
- MRI & CT imaging – Reveals early-stage bone loss and joint deterioration
- Bite analysis – Identifies occlusion changes linked to TMJ resorption
Treatment Approaches
Unlike fractures, condylar resorption does not heal on its own. Monitoring and early intervention are necessary to prevent severe facial and functional changes.
Early-Stage Management
Bite stabilization with custom splints – Reduces joint stress
Anti-inflammatory therapy – Prevents further bone deterioration
Muscle relaxation techniques – Relieves tension in the jaw
Advanced Cases
Orthodontic treatment – Corrects bite alignment if resorption has affected occlusion
- Surgical intervention – In severe cases, TMJ reconstruction may be needed
We offer advanced diagnostics and individualized treatment plans
- here to help you
If you’re experiencing pain, limited jaw movement, or facial asymmetry due to a broken jaw joint or condylar resorption, don’t wait! These are complex conditions that require precise diagnosis and expert care.
Our experienced team is committed to delivering personalized care designed to help you achieve lasting results and a smile you can wear with confidence.
Together, we can begin the journey toward creating a healthy, joyful, and beautiful smile.
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