J Orofac Pain
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To investigate cerebral cortical changes by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) after denture renewal and to test how these relate to prosthodontic treatment adaptability as measured by chewing efficiency and maximum bite force. ⋯ Changes in brain activity occurred in the adaptation to replacement dentures and appeared to regain preinsertion activity levels during motor tasks involving the dental occlusion after 3 months postinsertion.
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To explore the impact of trigeminal nerve injuries on quality of life, including the effect of pain on psychological and affective function. ⋯ Traumatic injury to the trigeminal nerve is associated with a substantial patient burden, particularly in patients who experience severe neuropathic pain as part of their condition. These findings highlight the need to identify, develop, and evaluate more effective treatments for neuropathic pain in trigeminal nerve injury that will not only provide clinically meaningful reductions in pain but also improve patients' quality of life.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of pain and quality of life in bruxers and patients with myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles.
Although it has been suggested that bruxism is a cause or a risk factor in myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles, the prevalence of pain in bruxers and its characteristics have not been assessed or compared to those of myofascial pain patients in general. In this study, self-reports of pain and quality of life were recorded on 100-mm visual analogue and five-point category scales from two research populations: (1) 19 nocturnal bruxers who participated in a polysomnographic study and (2) 61 patients with myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles with no evidence of bruxism who participated in a controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of oral splints. ⋯ The fact that pain from bruxism was worst in the morning suggests that it is possibly a form of postexercise muscle soreness. Myofascial pain, which was worst late in the day, is likely to have a different etiology.
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Comparative Study
Neuromuscular interaction of jaw and neck muscles during jaw clenching.
To test the hypothesis that jaw muscles and specific neck muscles, ie, levator scapulae, trapezius, sternocleidomastoideus, and splenius capitis, co-contract at the different submaximum bite forces usually generated during jaw clenching and tooth grinding, and for different bite force directions. ⋯ The findings support the assumption of a relationship between jaw clenching and the neck muscle activity investigated. The low level of co-contraction activity, however, requires further study to elucidate possible pathophysiological interactions at the level of single motor units.
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To investigate the hypothesis that the presence of transient morning masticatory muscle pain in young, healthy sleep bruxers (SBr) is associated with sex-related differences in sleep electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. ⋯ Female SBr had lower theta and alpha EEG activity irrespective of transient morning pain.