Comparison of cerebral cortex activation induced by tactile stimulation between natural teeth and implants

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the cortical-level sensory differences between natural teeth with a periodontal membrane and dental implants. Material and Methods We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity in the cerebral cortex of 12 patients who had both natural teeth and dental implants in the lower molar region. Painless vibratory tactile stimulation was performed on both the natural teeth and the dental implants. Results Activation was seen in the somatosensory cortex during stimulation of both natural teeth and dental implants. A comparison of cortical activation showed no significant differences between natural teeth and dental implants. Conclusions These results indicate the possible existence of sensory input to the cerebral cortex via dental implants as well as natural teeth, and thus suggest that may not only the periodontal membrane be involved in the signaling pathway. The data from this experiment may help us for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying natural teeth and dental implants. Key words: fNIRS, natural teeth, implants, brain activity, somatosensory cortex.

Functional Neuroplasticity of Adults with Partial or Complete Denture Rehabilitation with or without Implants: Evidence from fMRI Studies

“…Separate from masticatory performance and cognitive performance, generalized gray matter volume reduction was found among people with narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder resulting from an orexin deficiency [ 11 ], which is a hormone that also enhances appetite [ 12 ]. However, it was reported that there was no significant difference in the brain responses to vibrotactile stimuli applied to a natural tooth or a dental implant [ 13 ].…”