Influence of temporomandibular joint receptors on tactile occlusal perception

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that tactile occlusal perception is not eliminated when teeth are anesthetized. Based on the suggestion that such perception could be influenced by other receptors in the masticatory system, the possible role of the temporomandibular joint receptors was considered in this study. The minimal thickness (in units of 8 microns) detected between opposing teeth initially and after anesthesia of both temporomandibular joint capsules, was determined in 15 subjects. Results showed a mean difference for the group of 2·0 units with a standard error of 0.54 which was highly significant (p < 0·001). However, 40% of the subjects did not show any variation after anesthesia. It is concluded that receptors from the temporomandibular joint capsule may play an important role in determining the tactile occlusal perception.

On the regulation of interincisor bite force in man

“…periodontal anaesthesia: Hannam, Matthews & Yemm, 1970: Sessle & Schmitt, 1972: Christenson & Morimoto, 1977. TMJ capsule anaesthesia: Thilander, 1961Ingervall et al, 1972;Sirila & Laine, 1972;Caffese, Carraro & Albano, 1973).…”

The structure and function of periodontal innervation

“…Nevertheless, the discriminative ability for very small interocclusal distances (less than 0.1 mm) finds its origin mainly in the periodontal receptors, as was proved by the application of local or topical anaesthesia (Riis & Giddon 1970). Some authors postulate the intervention of joint receptors even for small (smaller than 0.03 mm) interocclusal distances (Caffesse, Carraro & Albano 1973). It should be pointed out, however, that half of the subjects investigated (total = 15) showed contradictory results.…”

Delayed‐onset muscle soreness does not influence occlusal sensitivity and position sense of the mandible

“…However, in patients lacking periodontal receptors, such as those with dental implants or full dentures, the OS was altered but not totally lost , suggesting that the occlusal tactile perception is based on a complex transmission process in which periodontal receptors are not the only contributors. Also temporomandibular joint capsule receptors , muscle receptors (muscle spindles) and pulpal receptors seem to be involved in the determination of the minimum interdental threshold, but the contribution of the single signals is still unclear .…”