Background:

knowing the process of physiologic and pathological aging of the temporomandibular joint is important due to the increase of the frequency of the temporomandibular disorders in the geriatric population. There are few articles that reflect the alterations of this articulation in the aged and its repercussions for the good harmony of the functions of the stomatognathic system.

Objective:

To describe the manifestations of aging in the temporomandibular joint and the intra-articular maladjustment in the aged.

Method:

It was carried out a documental revision in magazines, books, thesis and other documents in electronic format; for the searching of information the descriptors related to the subject were used.

Results:

In general, in the analyzed literature it was observed that with aging, the temporomandibular joint becomes more susceptible to degenerative changes; presenting flattening of the join surface together with a reduction in the size of the mandibular condyle, with the production of greater laxity in join movements.

Conclusions:

The main characteristics of the temporomandibular joint during aging are expressed in degenerative changes without pointing at clinical manifestations, showing a significant decrease in symptoms as people get older, and in some cases total absence of symptoms.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )