Computerised Occlusal Analysis Utilising T Scan™ and it’s Implications in Periodontology

Abstract

Introduction:The periodontium has its own adaptive capacity to the forces exerted on the teeth, this varies in different persons and in the same persons at different times. In current practise, the occlusal factors acting on the tooth are examined by articulation paper marks, waxes, pressure indicator paste, etc. However, the drawbacks of these methods are that they do not detect simultaneous contact nor do they quantify time and force. This study was conducted to determine and to analyse the distribution of occlusal loading forces, occlusal contact variability and its correction in the management of periodontitis using T-Scan III™.Methods: A total of ten chronic periodontitis patients were selected for the study. Scaling and root planing procedure and occlusal analysis using T-Scan III™ were performed on them. The amount of occlusal forces was found to be highly concentrated either on the right or the left side of the dental arches. Thus, the occlusal adjustments were carried out to minimize and dissipate the abnormal occlusal forces.Result: T-Scan analysis was repeated to analyse for the distribution of occlusal forces which depicted a reduction in the amount of occlusal forces and these forces were distributed nearly equally on the dental arch. Conclusion:Comparing and analysing the occlusal distribution of forces prior to and after the occlusal adjustments using T-Scan III™ system showed equilibrium in occlusal force distribution.