The absence of proprioceptive nerve endings in the human periodontal ligament: the role of periodontal mechanoreceptors in the reflex control of mastication.

A review of the literature was conducted to determine the presence or absence of proprioceptive nerve endings in the human periodontal ligament. A histologic review of the periodontal ligament innervation concluded that nerve endings found were those mediating pain, pressure, or touch and that there is no histologic evidence of any "classic" proprioceptive nerve ending in the periodontal ligament. A summary is given concerning the precise role of nerve endings in the periodontal membrane, their afferent pathways, and the role of masticatory muscle proprioception, jaw reflexes, and the temporomandibular joint in the coordinated control of mastication and mandibular proprioception.