Comparison of masseter muscle thickness with ultrasound in patients using implant supported fixed prosthesis and conventinal complete denture

Tooth loss; increased bone loss due to decreased stimulation, decreased neuromuscular control and muscle irregularities can cause functional disorders such as occlusion disorders, temporamandibular joint disorders, loss of proprioceptive ability. The aim of our study is to evaluate the masseter muscle thickness at rest and at maximum voluntary contraction bite in individuals using conventional full dentures, implant-supported fixed dentures, and individuals with natural dentition. In our study, the control group of 40 people consisted of individuals with natural dentition; The 40 patient group consisted of 20 total patients using conventional full dentures, and 20 implant patients using implant supported fixed prosthesis. Measurements of all three groups were made separately for the right and left masseter muscles, both in the resting position and at the time of maximum contraction. In our study, the masseter muscle thickness was significantly lower in both contraced and relaxed positions in patients of conventional total group (p <0,001). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the resting and maximum voluntary contraction masseter muscle thickness in the implant group and the control group (p>0.050). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between men and women in the comparison of patient groups based on gender, while a negative correlation was found depending on age.