Changes in Cerebral Function Associated with Oral Pain Caused by Dentures

Abstract

Objective measurement of pain may be useful for dental diagnosis and therapy. The purpose of this study is to measure reactions to pain in the cerebral cortex during dental treatment using NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy), and to assess potential applications of this measuring system in the field of dentistry. Oxygen exchange in the cerebral cortex (oxygenated Hb, deoxygenated Hb and total Hb) was measured to indicate brain function, with and without pain. Also, measured data were mapped using a COE (Cerebral functional mapping of Oxygen Exchange) system. We obtained the following results: (1) reactions in the cerebral cortex apparently related to dental pain were measured, (2) these reactions varied associated with the degree of pain, (3) these measurement responses were quick and reactions could be shown within a few seconds during an event, and (4) the reactions also disappeared quickly after the pain disappeared. The results of this research indicated that this measuring system of brain function has a high potential for use in dentistry.