The influence of TMJ and central incisor sensory impairment on bite force discrimination.

AbstractIn this study the authors temporarily altered sensation around the upper and lower front teeth as well as within the temporomandibular joints of 12 subjects. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of such impairment by comparing bite force discrimination scores obtained under these experimental conditions with scores obtained under a normal non-anesthetized condition. A specially designed strain gauge scale was constructed for the measurement of incisor bite force. The subjects' abilities to discriminate differences in their biting forces were assessed under the following four experimental conditions: 1. Normal (no anesthetization).2. Regional block to the upper and lower anterior teeth.3. Bilateral regional block of the TMJs.4. A combination regional block of the anterior teeth and the TMJs. Bite force discrimination was found to be significantly impaired (P<.05) only in the two conditions in which the teeth were anesthetized. These findings suggest that the periodontal ligament (PD...