Electromyographic Evaluation of Masseter and Temporalis Muscle Activity in Distal Extension Edentulous Patients After Replacing with Implants—A Prospective Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim:

To assess the changes in muscle activity after replacing the missing teeth or teeth with implants in distal extension edentulous patients and to evaluate the patient’s satisfaction levels.

Materials and Methods:

This was a single-group experimental study, based on convenience sampling with a sample size of 40 patients. Only unilateral mandibular distal extension edentulous sites were included and endo-osseous dental implants were placed in delayed protocol. Electrical activities of the masseter and temporalis muscles were recorded at rest and clench before, immediately, and one month after the cementation using electromyography. Patient satisfaction was analyzed through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics an inferential statistics with repeated measures of ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test were done to analyze the study data. P value < .05 would be considered statistically significant for all the analyses.

Results:

Right temporalis showed significantly higher surface electromyography (sEMG) activity at one-month post cementation than baseline at rest and clench. Similarly, the left temporalis has shown significant sEMG activity at one-month post cementation than baseline at clench. However, there was no statistical difference with the right and left masseter. The implant-supported prosthesis was well received by the majority of patients.

Conclusion:

Definitive improvement in the electrical activity of the temporalis before and after the replacement of prosthesis was noticed with positive patient satisfaction levels with implant-supported prosthesis.