Optimization of the Stereognostic Ability of the Tongue in the Adaptation of Patients to Complete Removable Prostheses

Abstract

Assessing a patient's ability to adapt to new dentures is still a challenge in orthopedic dentistry. The term oral stereognosy refers to the ability of a person to adequately assess the shape and geometric dimensions of solid objects using tactile receptors of different oral tissues. Oral stereognostic ability assesses human oral function and also determines patient response to various orthopedic treatments. This is achieved by the association of more than one group of mechanoreceptors distributed simultaneously across multiple oral structures. At the same time, sensory abilities vary greatly in different structures of the oral cavity depending on the concentration of sensory afferent nerve endings in each of these tissues. In the tongue, the anterior part and tip are more sensitive than the posterior part, similarly, the middle part shows greater tactile sensitivity than the lateral parts. Surface mechanoreceptors usually adapt rapidly and are known to play an exceptional role in exteroceptive tactile recognition and, accordingly, in tactile examination of objects in an intraoral manner. At the same time, a number of studies indicate significant deviations of tongue functions that form in conditions of complete absence of teeth, the most demonstrative of which is the violation of stereognosy. In this regard, the topic of oral stereognosis is closely related to the general state of the human oral cavity, to the process of dental orthopedic treatment and adaptation to it - all this requires special study.of dental orthopedic treatment and adaptation to it - all this requires special study.