Adaptive Changes of Masticatory Movement Characteristics After Rehabilitation With Osseointegrated Fixed Prostheses in the Edentulous Jaw: A 10-Year Follow-up Study

The aim of this study was to assess possible adaptive changes in the masticatory rhythmical pattern after insertion of an osseointegrated fixed denture. Registrations of masticatory cycle duration, mandibular velocity, and displacement were performed before and 2 months and 10 years after rehabilitation. No major changes except for a decreased occlusal level phase had occurred regarding cycle duration over the years. However, a significantly higher mandibular velocity and greater displacement were recorded 2 months after rehabilitation. This trend was further established in the long term. Temporal timing of rhythmical chewing seems to be relatively consistent, suggesting that the central pattern generator driving output over time is constant. Keywords: dental implants, dental prosthesis, mastication