Abstract
At present, we often have to estimate the stomatognathic function of dentures based on only the patient's complaints and our own examination . We have not yet established an objective method of examining and estimating it In these circumstances, we have studied masticatory efficiency, electromyograms and biting force, as a way of examining the stomatognathic function of complete denture wearers. In this study, elderly complete denture wearers were chosen and estimated their dentures from the result of the examination of the mandibular movements and the electromyogram . Moreover, usefulness of this examination method were studied.MKG/K6-I was used for the examination, and electromyographic activities and mandibular movements were simultaneously recorded . The subjects were five elderly complete denture wearers who came to our hospital complaining of masticatory dysfunction caused by pain or the reduced retention and stability of the denture . Their opening-closing movements, gliding movements, tapping and chewing movements were examined comparing their previous denture with new denture .At the same time we had them ate some peanuts and judged their masticatory efficiency .
The examinations above, produced the following results .
1. In opening-closing and tapping movements, their new dentures indicated stability of mandibular path and intercuspal position, and increased in the velocity of vertical motion, and coordinated in electromyographic activity on both sides.
2. The examination of masticating peanuts indicated that the mandibular path from the working side to intercuspal position were stabilized and both muscle activities and masticatory rhythms were improved.
3. From the results of the masticatory test using new dentures, a recovery of the stomatognathic function was recognized.
4. In gliding movements, three subjects suggested no differences between the mandibular path of their previous denture and new denture.
5. Examination of the mandibular movements measured by MKG and the investigation of the electromyogram of masticatory muscles were applicable and useful for estimation of the stomatognathic function in elderly complete denture wearers . Further, it can be considered that examinations of both tapping movements and masticatory movements provided exact estimation of the denture function .
