[Electromyographic studies on the masticatory muscles after the preparation of terminal molars as denture abutments]

When the occlusal surfaces of terminal molars are ground off during bridge preparation, the occlusal support for the condyle of the affected side disappears and thus the intermaxillary distance declines. The effect of this process on the masticatory muscles was examined electromyographically in nine patients. It was found that the muscle activity especially in the m. temporalis is immediately reduced by 30 to 40%.