Shapira IL. Physiologic Dentistry. 5th Annual SOT Research Conference. Atlanta, GA. May 2, 2013: 186-194.
Introduction: Physiologic Dentistry remains an enigma to many dentists who do not understand the purpose of electrodes, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), computers and how this could improve the care of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD). This has led to confusion in the field of TMD care and with the term “Physiologic Dentistry.” There are several basic premises that underlie Physiologic Dentistry.
Stomatognathic Muscles: The first premise is that the stomatognathic muscles are the primary determinate of the mandibles position during all jaw functions (when the teeth are not in occlusion) and that rest position is one of the most important positions in dentistry.
Occlusion: The second premise is that occlusion is important in physiologic dentistry as a resetting mechanism of the trigeminal nervous system’s control of the stomatognathic muscles.
Swallowing: During a healthy swallow the teeth will move freely without interference into full occlusion with bilateral equal contact and bilateral equal muscle activity and then return to rest position with low muscle tonicity.
Physiologic Occlusion: Physiologic occlusion (myocentric) occurs when centric occlusion (maximum non-torqued intercuspation of teeth) is coincidental with a balanced muscle closure where the muscles will return to their relaxed state following closure.
Physiologic Dentistry and TMD: Physiologic dentistry considers many of the related disorders associated with TMD to be repetitive strain injuries
Conclusion: Ultimately Physiologic Dentistry is about making accurate measurements and the use of those measurements to improve the doctor’s ability to make a differential diagnosis, tailor treatment to relieve pain, and create stable restorative dentistry with healthy relaxed musculature.
[This abbreviated abstract is from one of the 26 full text abstracts relating to topics such as SOT, cranial techniques, chiropractic manipulative reflex technique, occipital fiber diagnosis, and dental chiropractic co-treatment of TMD. Over 210 pages.
http://www.sotousa.com/wp/?p=442]
