1997 Volume 22 Issue 3 Pages 187-196
It is generally acknowledged that premature contact causes occlusal trauma and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. However, there are numerous points yet to be clarified concerning the changes premature contact would initiate in regards to the activities of the masticatory muscles.
In the present study, we, with the assistance of electromyography, detected masseteric excitation (periodontal-masseteric reflex) which is induced by pressure stimulation applied to the periodontaI membrane in dogs and human beings. Through the detection we clarified the influence of premature contact upon the masseter. We also discussed changes in the masseteric functions following the elimination of premature contact.
The results show that information generated from the periodontal membrane by premature contact will influence masseteric excitement and that this reflex will be formed and eliminated at arelatively early stage. Our findings also indicate that the information produced by pressure stimulation upon the periodontal membrane has the possibility of not only influencing the excitation of the masticatory muscles but also influenclng mandibular movement.
