Comparison of cerebral cortex activation induced by tactile stimulation between natural teeth and implants

2020

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the cortical-level sensory differences between natural teeth with a periodontal membrane and dental implants. Material and methods We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity in the cerebral cortex of 12 patients who had both natural teeth and dental implants in the lower molar region. Painless vibratory tactile stimulation was performed on both the natural teeth and the dental implants. Results Activation was seen in the somatosensory cortex during stimulation of both natural teeth and dental implants. A comparison of cortical activation showed no significant differences between natural teeth and dental …