ANTEROPOSTERIOR CONDYLAR VARIATION IN INTERMAXILLARY REGISTER WITH SINGLE CENTRAL SUPPORT VS TENS

Abstract: Introduction:Different techniques have been used to estimate the intermaxillary relationship in edentulous patients. Techniques can be classified into those in which the operator guides the jaw and those performed by the patient's own muscle strength.Objectives: To compare the anteroposterior discrepancy in the condylar position using 2 intermaxillary recording systems obtained using single centrally supported impeller cuvettes (Bopayacu) and transcutaneous neuronal stimulation (TENS).Materials and Methods: To date, the clinical study has been conducted in 18 edentulous patients with an average age of 68 years. For each patient, light-curing buns were made in each jaw. They were individualized and used to make the final print. Intermaxillary recordings were taken with a BOPAYACU device (RB) and with low-amplitude, ultra-low-frequency TENS (RT) (BNS-40 from Myotronics-Noromed, Inc), for 40 minutes. The final models were mounted on a Whip Mix Model 2240 articulator. Graphic recordings were made with an Orthodent condylar positioning device and Bausch Arti-Fol metallic articulating paper 12 micrometers thick. Blue was used for RB and red for RT.Results: Statistical analysis was based on Student's t-test. The probability of error was also calculated using Wilcoxon's sign test. In both condyles, the mean difference in the anteroposterior direction was 2.1 mm. The P value obtained was greater than 0.01. The null hypothesis is accepted. Conclusion: Under the limitations of this study, we conclude that in the intermaxillary records obtained with both techniques analyzed in edentulous elderly patients, the anteroposterior condylar position recorded is equivalent.In the sample, endodontic specialists and professionals with less time since graduation reported a higher proportion of knowledge of the term VPT although a lack of precise knowledge on the subject was evident.