Masticatory functional analysis after replacing multiple missing teeth with implant-supported single crowns - A...

To study the outcome of the function after replacing multiple missing teeth with single screw retained crowns.

A Prospective cohort study was planned to determine the importance of masticatory functional improvements.

Objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in masticatory timing, movements, and muscle function resulting from replacing multiple missing teeth with implant-supported crowns.

Thirty prospective patients having multiple teeth missing went through Bite force, EMG functional activity, and masticatory incisor-point movements recording during chewing of gum and of hard food before and after replacing the missing teeth with implant-supported crowns. Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) occlusal therapy was applied to each case after placement. The results obtained were statistically evaluated for significance using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Student's t-test alpha = 0.05.

The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to analyze the kinematics and Student's t test the muscle activities.

For left-sided and right-sided gum-chewing, the group mean values of 4 and 5 quantified parameters calculated from the average chewing pattern were found to have significantly improved toward more normal values (P < 0.05). Same with Hard-bolus chewing group, mean values of 8 and 6 quantified parameters calculated from the Average Chewing Pattern (ACP) were found to have significantly improved towards more normal values (P < 0.05). Same with Hard-bolus chewing group, mean values of 8 and 6 quantified parameters calculated from the Average Chewing Pattern (ACP) were found to have significantly improved towards more normal values (p < 0.05). Multiple EMG average chewing cycle muscle activity patterns also improved significantly (P < 0.05). The mean disclusion time of the group was significantly reduced (P < 0.00000) as was the mean EMG muscle activity during lateral excursions (P < 0.000002).

Measurable significant improvements in mean masticatory functional movements and associated muscle activity during gum-chewing were recorded after the placement of the implant-supported crowns followed with DTR therapy to optimize the occlusions. Additional significant changes were seen when the subjects masticated a challenging hard bolus. Mean muscle effort during left and right lateral excursions was also significantly reduced.