Proprioception and osseoperception in prosthodontics – A review

The masticatory system receives neural inputs by means of proprioception and perception. Defective proprioceptive or perceptive input results in dysfunctional or pathological conditions. The prognosis of a prosthodontic restoration depends on the integration of proprioceptive input and motor output. The absence of intradental and periodontal mechanoreception accompanying tooth loss alters the fine proprioceptive control feedback. Complete denture rehabilitation is a compromised restoration which restores function with many lacunae. In contrast to conventional dentures, implant-supported prostheses restore jaw function with improved psychophysiological discriminatory ability, oral stereognosis, and osseoperception.