Control Of Mastication By Periodontal Mechanoreceptors In Man
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,990.00
Summary
Despite the importance in chewing and speech, very little is known regarding the fine control of jaw muscles. A thorough understanding of the control of the jaw muscles is at the base of improved diagnosis and treatment of many chewing disorders. For example: We still do not understand the causes of the jaw muscle-joint pain disorder (temporomandibular dysfunction) which accounts for about 5 % of total dental patients. The current treatments, including pain killers, night plates and massage cure ....Despite the importance in chewing and speech, very little is known regarding the fine control of jaw muscles. A thorough understanding of the control of the jaw muscles is at the base of improved diagnosis and treatment of many chewing disorders. For example: We still do not understand the causes of the jaw muscle-joint pain disorder (temporomandibular dysfunction) which accounts for about 5 % of total dental patients. The current treatments, including pain killers, night plates and massage cure only about half of all patients. Improved diagnosis and treatment techniques require more precise elaboration of the neural and muscular mechanisms of chewing. Why do the chewing forces in toothless individuals, despite well fitting dentures, fall to about 20 % of the value in teethed individuals? Do jaw muscles in these subjects weaken because they get less feedback from the receptors around the teeth? How does the chewing force automatically adjust to overcome sudden or gradual changes in the characteristics of foodstuff? Although bite to bite changes in the chewing force is observed in subjects with natural teeth, no such changes occur in toothless subjects or subjects chewing with implanted bridges. How do the receptors adjust the activation of jaw muscles so that bite force is applied in the right direction and right amount at each bite? The aim of this study is to define the importance of the periodontal mechanoreceptors (tiny nerve cells that are situated between the roots of the teeth and the jaw bone that signal bite force to the brain) in the control of jaw muscles. This study will, therefore, illustrate the importance of keeping the teeth and gums healthy for the development of strong, smooth and well-controlled chewing forces, and potentially create opportunities to improve chewing (and thereby quality of life) in toothless individuals or those experiencing other difficulties in chewing.Read moreRead less
Molecular Mechanisms Of Joint Degeneration In Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,273.00
Summary
Arthritis is a major clinical and socio-economic problem. Arthritis involves the destruction of cartilage in joints. However, the mechanisms of initiation and progression of cartilage destruction remain poorly understood. Our studies will for explore the role of a new regulator of gene expression, microRNA, in the initation and progression of osteoarthritis. This will provide important new information on disease mechanisms for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapies
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are characterised by pain and limited jaw movement and are a significant issue. Current management is influenced by the view of a simple association between pain and limited movement. This study will test a new theory that an individual's motor response to pain is influenced by the complexity of the jaw motor system as well as the individual's pain experience. This project will point towards individualised recommendations for effective management of TMD.
The Design, Development And Clinical Assessment Of A New Metacarpophalangeal Joint Prosthesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,450.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling form of arthritis that affects many people in the community. It commonly involves the finger joints in the hands resulting in deformity, pain and subsequent loss of function. There have been implants designed for finger joint replacement, but unfortunately these implants have had only moderate benefits and can break and lead to further joint destruction resulting in the worsening of deformity and pain. A new implant for finger joint replacement has been develo ....Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling form of arthritis that affects many people in the community. It commonly involves the finger joints in the hands resulting in deformity, pain and subsequent loss of function. There have been implants designed for finger joint replacement, but unfortunately these implants have had only moderate benefits and can break and lead to further joint destruction resulting in the worsening of deformity and pain. A new implant for finger joint replacement has been developed. This implant has several potential advantages. Firstly the unique design acts to prevent recurring deformity in the fingers with rheumatoid disease while allowing functional motion. Secondly, it is thought that patients will return to function earlier and avoid the need for further finger surgery as this implant design relies less on the tissues around it for stability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical and clinical benefits of this new implant for finger joint replacement. The new design will undergo specific laboratory tests and be used in a clinical trial to quantify the therapeutic benefits it provides to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Read moreRead less