Influence of temporomandibular joint receptors on tactile occlusal perception

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that tactile occlusal perception is not eliminated when teeth are anesthetized. Based on the suggestion that such perception could be influenced by other receptors in the masticatory system, the possible role of the temporomandibular joint receptors was considered in this study. The minimal thickness (in units of 8 microns) detected between opposing teeth initially and after anesthesia of both temporomandibular joint capsules, was determined in 15 subjects. Results showed a mean difference for the group of 2·0 units with a standard error of 0.54 which was highly significant (p < 0·001). However, 40% of the subjects did not show any variation after anesthesia. It is concluded that receptors from the temporomandibular joint capsule may play an important role in determining the tactile occlusal perception.