Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Using Computer-Assisted Surgical Simulation and Three-Dimensional Printing

Abstract

The dental occlusion is the important reference for replacement of the temporomandibular joint. If a patient does not have normal occlusion, few considerations are needed for temporomandibular joint replacement. The custom-made prosthesis, typically fabricated with a stereolithographic model, is probably the optimized solution currently available. However the ready-made stock from Biomet Microfixation System (Jacksonville, FL) is the only available product, which is authorized by the government ministry in South Korea, for replacement of the temporomandibular joint. This report presents a patient with the problems that were retrognathic "bird face" profile subsequent to severe bilateral condylar resorption and temporomandibular joint ankylosis without enough natural teeth for occlusion. Bilateral temporomandibular joint replacement using the ready-made prosthesis was done by reestablishing the mandibular position with new occlusion and improved facial profile via the virtual surgical planning and stereolithographic model simulation.