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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Somatosensory Event-related Potentials from Orofacial Skin Stretch Stimulation
Published on: December 18, 2015
Relation between electrical stimulus intensity, masseteric exteroceptive reflex and sensory perception
Osamu Komiyama1, Kelun Wang, Peter Svensson
1Department of Clinical Oral Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8587, Japan. komiyama.osamu@nihon-u.ac.jp
This study explored masseteric exteroceptive suppression (ES) and sensory perception to aid masticatory system diagnosis. Findings reveal distinct parameters for early and late ES, offering quantitative insights for prosthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Prosthetics
Background:
- The masticatory system's diagnosis for prosthodontic treatment requires reliable quantitative and qualitative tools.
- Masseteric exteroceptive suppression (ES) offers a potential method to assess sensory perception and neuromuscular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between stimulus intensity, masseteric exteroceptive suppression (ES), and sensory perception.
- To evaluate ES as a potential diagnostic tool for the masticatory system in prosthodontic contexts.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography (EMG) of the masseter muscle was recorded in 24 healthy adults.
- Stimulus-response (S-R) curves were analyzed to assess ES duration, appearance, saturation, and slope in relation to increasing stimulus intensity.
- Reflex thresholds (RT1, RT2) and pain thresholds (PT) were determined.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed between pain threshold (PT) and reflex thresholds (RT1, RT2).
- Stimulus-response curve analysis provided quantitative parameters for early (ES1) and late (ES2) exteroceptive suppression.
- Maximum durations for ES1 and ES2 were estimated at 9.6 ms and 33.5 ms, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Analysis of ES parameters in response to increasing stimulus intensity is feasible.
- Stimulus-response curves effectively differentiate between early and late masseteric exteroceptive suppression based on sensory perception.
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