Masticatory function of the dentulous versus prosthodontically treated edentulous mandible

Masticatory function of the dentulous versus prosthodontically treated edentulous mandible Public Deposited

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Uram-Tuculescu, Sorin
- Affiliation: School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics

Abstract

Background: There is general agreement that implant supported prostheses offer better masticatory function than traditional prostheses that are not supported by teeth or implants. However, solid evidence is lacking to fully support this, and contrary findings are mentioned in the literature. Aim: To characterize differences in chewing and neuromuscular control characteristics of patients with upper and lower natural teeth, upper full dentures and lower natural teeth, upper and lower full dentures, upper full dentures and lower implant-supported overdentures, upper full dentures and lower implant supported fixed prostheses. Materials and methods: Chewing function is evaluated subjectively (questionnaires) and objectively (electromyographic measurements), while subjects are chewing agar based model foods with 4 different consistencies. Conclusions: Electromyographic methods using i) engineered test foods with controlled physical properties and ii) rigorous analytical techniques can detect and characterize meaningful differences among human subjects who differ in dental status and prosthodontic treatments.

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