Date of Award
Spring 1961
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Zeit, Walter
Second Advisor
Gehl, Danier H.
Third Advisor
Bertram, Ewart G.
Abstract
The inconsistencies observed between reports in the literature and personal clinical experience as a resident in prosthodontics, prompted a critical survey of the anatomic basis of centric relation. Much of the research in prosthodontics was based upon clinic observations, which was not always consistent with basic anatomy and physiology. There was an urgent need for basic investigation of the functional anatomy of the temporomandibular joint. One of the greatest problems confronting dentistry today is the preservation of alveolar bone. It is understood that there are many factors involved in the conservation of alveolar bone, but of paramount importance are the masticatory stresses of an oral prosthesis on alveolar bone. Proper articulation of the teeth of an oral prosthesis is directly related to the preservation of alveolar bone. Since fifteen million people in the United States wear full upper and lower dentures, and at least 30 per cent of the total population wear partial oral prosthesis, one can readily see the importance of occlusion as it pertains to alveolar bone. The problem will continue to be magnified due to the increasing longevity of the senior citizens, and because 75 per cent of the individuals who reach the age of sixty-five years of age require full dentures. Articulation of the teeth is directly associated with the positional relationship of the head of the condyle in the glenoid fossa of the temporomandibular joint. The positional relationship is referred to as centric occlusion which is a component of centric relation. The purpose of the thesis was to determining the functional significance of the external pterygoid muscle, temporomandibular ligament and the meniscus as they pertain to the retruded position of centric relation.
Recommended Citation
Boucher, Louis J., "Structures of the Temporomandibular Joint That Pertain to Centric Relation" (1961). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 5106.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/5106