A comparative study to evaluate surface electromyographic correlations of mandibular implant-supported overdentures to conventional complete dentures in edentulous patients: An in vivo study

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the function and coordination of masticatory muscles for patients with two implant-supported mandibular overdenture (ISOD) with that of conventional complete dentures (CCD) using surface electromyography (sEMG). The objectives were to assess the muscle activity (efficiency) and clinical outcome after the transition of CCD patients to ISOD. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a crossover study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in the department of prosthodontics. A total of 15 patients (nine males and six females) were assessed using sEMG. In each patient, a total of four surfaces were examined above the following muscles – right and left masseter and right and left temporalis muscles. The electromyography readings were recorded to assess muscle activity during Clenching, cotton roll clenching, and chewing. The readings were recorded first for CCD and then for ISOD (after installing attachments). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data analysis was done using independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Mean muscular activity of masseter during clenching, cotton roll clenching, and chewing for patients with ISOD (44.3 ± 11.2 μV, 41.1 ± 13.4 μV, and 45.2 ± 17.5 μV) was higher than CCD (26.0 ± 11.3 μV, 22.6 ± 9.7 μV, and 24.2 ± 9.5 μV). The mean muscular activity of temporalis during clenching, cotton roll clenching, and chewing was also higher with ISOD (47.9 ± 11.2 μV, 45.6 ± 11.9 μV, and 51.0 ± 14.4 μV) than CCD (31.0 ± 12.2 μV, 29.7 ± 15.3 μV and 31.9 ± 14.2 μV). No statistically significant result was found between masseter and temporalis muscle activity on both sides (P < 0.05), indicating symmetrical activity on both the sides. CONCLUSION: Two-ISODs prove to be a better and efficient treatment modality in rehabilitating edentulous patients as it enhances retention and also increases masticatory muscle activity and chewing efficiency.