Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2.2
Implantology Issues in the
Stomatognathic System
The stomatognathic system, as a morphological and functional
unit, composed of many tissues, such as the teeth, jaws, muscles of
mastication, epithelium, and temporomandibular joints and nerves
that control these structures, takes part in many physiological
processes.
The combination of all the structures enables proper speech and
the reception, mastication, deglutition of food, and respiration. The
basis of proper functioning of the system is the well controlled central
nervous system. All the speciic elements of the system remain in
mutual synchronization, synergy, and cohesion, enabling the system
to work properly. A disease or trauma occurring in any of the elements
of the system causes the malfunctioning of the whole system, as well
as in the biological aspect and also has its psychological inluence
on the patient. Apart from the health beneits of a proper bite and
speech, are the esthetic beneits, skin and muscle tone of the lips
and cheeks, restoration of symmetry of the lower facial 1/3, and a
radiant smile.
The stomatognathic system is without any doubt a very complex
structure. Its proper functioning is controlled by regulation
mechanisms, in which a mutual relationship exists between
morphology and function and different compensation abilities.
The role of occlusion as a contributing factor in various signs
and symptoms in the stomatognathic system has been discussed in
literature [12]. In simpliied understanding, occlusion refers to the
arrangement of maxillary and mandibular teeth and to the way the
teeth contact. However, the biological and psychosocial role of this
interference is seen the most in case of missing teeth. A variety of
impairments, such as functional, aesthetic, and psychological, occur
in case of edentulous patients, which have occlusion-free jaws.
Those occlusion deviations lead to further changes in the
structures of the stomatognathic system [3, 13]. A hyperactivity of
the mastication muscles has been notated, which, in consequence,
leads to fatigue and muscle spasm. Moreover, the forces induced by
mastication are also forwarded to the temporomandibular joint,
which usually adapts to the functional demands. Adaptation may
occur through the change in the osseous components of the joint.
However, when the adaptive capacity is exceeded, dysfunction or
