SUMMARY: Temporomandibular dysfunction (DTM) refers to a set of signs and symptoms affecting the muscles of the orofacial region, temporomandibular joint (ATM) and attached structures. The purpose of this study was to analyse the prevalence of MTD in patients with indications for prothetic dental treatment. This is an observational study, cross-cutting analytical, quantitative, approved by the Ethics Committee on an opinion number: 2006/0107. It included all patients who sought dental treatment for protetic purposes, excluding patients under 18 years of age and who were in orthodontic treatment. The Diagnostic Criterion in Temporomandibular Disorders Search (RDC/TMD) Axis I and II was applied to analyse the prevalence of DTMs in the studied population. The data were tabulated in Microsoft Office Excel and then analysed by descriptive statistics using absolute and relative frequency calculations. 80 individuals were studied, of which 70 % were female and 30 % male, with prevalence between 45 and 55 years old (fi = 27). 25 % of the sample showed diagnosis of MTD (p = 0,3837), of which 15 % were female gênerum. Of the disorders identified, separated by 3 groups, the most frequent disc displacement with reduction (GII) = 58.33 %, arthralgia/osteoarthritis (GIII) = 25.00 % and miofastial pain (GI) = 16.67 %. A considerable proportion (25 %) of the studied group presented MTDs, thus it is suggested that dental absence could trigger a dearption in the stomatognatic system, affecting ATM, by relying on the physiological and structural tolerance of the individual. Further studies of this nature are suggested to characterise the condition in this audience and implement appropriate treatments. KEYWORDS: Temporomandibular joint, stomatognatic system, clinical study.