Neurophysiological assessment of the condition of the masticatory muscle group in patients with occlusion disorders and chronic generalized periodontitis

Background. Recently, the interest of dentists and physiologists has been focused on the development of a set of informative computerized techniques for an objective analysis of the functional state of the dentofacial apparatus. Achieving certain successes in conducting functional diagnostic examinations contributes to the development of algorithms for complex treatment of patients with generalized periodontitis and premature occlusal contacts.Goal. Study of the functional state of the dentofacial apparatus according to the parameters of bioelectrical activity of muscles in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis and occlusal disorders in static and dynamic conditions of the lower jaw.Materials and methods. The study involved 37 people with clinically healthy periodontium, physiological occlusion, and absence of occlusal disorders (Group 1) and 45 patients with physiological types of occlusion, generalized chronic periodontitis and premature occlusal contacts (Group 2). Functional methods included electronic registration of occlusal relationships with the T-Scan® III computer occlusion analysis system and study of the bioelectrical activity of the masticatory muscles using the Bio-EMG® III electromyography using standard functional tests.Results. In patients of group 2, in comparison with patients of group 1, neuromuscular discoordination of the functional activity of the masticatory muscles was diagnosed. This condition is confirmed by the asymmetry and lack of muscle synergy when performing the “Maximum volitional compression” test, an improvement in the symmetry of the work of the muscles of the same name on the right and left sides and the synergy of the work of the muscles of the right and left masticatory groups, as well as a statistically significant increase in the values of biopotentials m. temporalis and m. masseter during the “Maximum volitional compression on rollers” test.Conclusions. Disturbances in the coordinated work of the muscles of the craniofacial region in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis and premature occlusal contacts are realized in a statistically significant increase in the biopotentials of the masticatory muscle group at rest, a decrease in biopotentials during functional loading, as well as a reduction in the values of symmetry and synergy in relation to similar values patients of group 1.