Using the T-scan III system to analyze occlusal function in mandibular reconstruction patients: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Assessing post-rehabilitation occlusal function in patients with complex mandibular resections.
• Utilizing fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps, dental implants, and fixed prostheses for reconstruction.
• Employing the T-scan system for detailed occlusal analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the post-rehabilitation occlusal function in patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction.
• To evaluate the impact of reconstruction size on occlusal parameters.
• To determine the most reliable T-scan parameters for assessing occlusal function after reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 10 cases of mandibular complex resection and reconstruction.
• Categorization of reconstructions into three size groups: full, >half, and
• Measurement of occlusal force, time, and center location asymmetries using the T-scan III system.

Main Results:

• Larger reconstructions showed a trend towards decreased occlusal force, but not statistically significant.
• The most pronounced asymmetry in occlusal center location was observed in reconstructions larger than half the arch.
• Occlusal force was not found to be a reliable objective reference for occlusal function.

Conclusions:

• The location of the occlusal center is a more repeatable and less externally influenced parameter than occlusal force.
• Reconstruction size did not significantly affect average occlusal force post-surgery.
• Left and right asymmetry of the occlusal center (LROC) was the most significant parameter, particularly in larger reconstructions.