To Determine the Influence of the Complete Denture Prosthesis on Masticatory Muscle Activity in Elderly Patients: An in vivo Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Mastication is a highly coordinated neuromuscular function involving fast effective movements of the jaw and continuous modulation of force. In older subjects these mechanisms act with marked differences. They have a reduced capacity in various functions of stomatognathic system. Objectives To evaluate the elevator and depressor muscle activity with and without complete denture prosthesis. Materials and methods For the purpose of the study 12 patients between the age of 40 and 70 years were selected. Surface electrodes from the electromyographic unit were placed in the region of right and left anterior temporal muscles, Masseter muscle and depressor muscle at the region of anterior belly of digastric and the electromyographic activity was recorded. Results and discussion The obtained values were subjected to statistical analysis. A paired t- test was performed to determine the difference between the subjects with and without denture prosthesis. Conclusion The elevator muscles showed higher activity in subjects wearing the denture prosthesis when compared to those without denture prosthesis. No significant change in muscle activity was seen on maximal opening of the depressor muscle between the subjects with and without denture prosthesis.