Abstract

NUNO LICONA, Alberto Enrique et al. Varied sensory-motor adaptation to new dentures among full denture wearers and non wearers. Rev. Odont. Mex [online]. 2013, vol.17, n.1, pp.26-32. ISSN 1870-199X.

Teeth loss elicits significant changes in the sensory-motor activity of patients thus afflicted. These changes can in turn be affected upon placement of a full denture (FD). Overall changes can alter mastication processes, to the point of affecting the patient's general state of health, as would be the case when impinging on proper feeding. This shows the importance of studying masticatory muscles response to the placement of a full denture. It is as well opportune to compare patients who have previously worn dentures with new denture wearers, since it must be borne in mind they could present different functional states. To this end, electromyographic records (EMR) were conducted in masseter muscles of 29 patients before (1^st session) at 8 and 30 days (2^nd and 3^rd session) of FD placement. Two groups were tailored: Group 1 (G1) (n = 15, 12 ♀, 5 ♂, average age 67.2 years) those who had previously worn a full denture, and group 2 (G2), (n =12, 8 ♀, 4 ♂, average age 66.5 years) comprising individuals who had never before worn a full denture. Results indicated there was functional difference among muscles of patients having previously worn FD when compared to muscles of patients who had never worn a FD. Lesser EMG amplitude was found in G1 when compared to G2 in the first session as well as lesser ability to generate masticatory cycles. In the long run, this could also bear upon masticatory ability decrease and patients quality of life. It is necessary to continue this type of studies to substantiate recorded results of the present study, as well as to implement measures geared at contributing to improved FD adaptation.

Keywords : Full denture; masseter electromyography; sensory motor integration.