A STUDY ON ORAL SENSORY FUNCTION IN THE IMPLANT-SUPPORTED PROSTHESES WEARERS

치과 임플랜트 보철 장착자의 구강 감각 기능에 관한 연구

In this study, oral sensory function in the osseointegrated root form implant-supported prostheses wearers was estimated by measuring occlusal tactile perception threshold of thickness and sensibility threshold against lateral static loading, and comparing with normal dentition subjects and complete denture wearers group. Osseointegrated root form implants seemed to be restored in the sensation to some extent, and so, dental implants restored edentulous patients in a wide meaning. Conclusions were summarized as following. 1. Occlusal tactile perception threshold of thickness was highest in complete denture wearers group, following by implant-supported prostheses wearers group, normal dentition subjects group. 2. In the implant-supported prostheses wearers group, occlusal tactile perception threshold of opposing artificial teeth case was higher than of opposing natural or opposing implantsupported teeth case. 3. Sensibility threshold against lateral loading of complete denture wearers and implantsupported prostheses wearers group was higher than that of normal dentition subject group. 4. In the implant-supported prostheses group, sensibility threshold against lateral loading was not significantly different between upper and lower jaws. 5. In occlusal tactile perception threshold of thickness and sensibility threshold against lateral loading test, there was no regularity among values of each tooth, and no significant difference between anterior and posterior teeth as well.