A multiparametric analysis of occlusal and periodontal jaw reflex characteristics in young adults with normal occlusion.

Periodontal jaw reflex, duration of percussion sounds, tooth mobility, and time-moment analysis of occlusal contacts by the T-scan system was recorded in nine periodontally healthy volunteers. The results showed that (i) reflex responses to the pressure applied to the uppercentageral incisors in the lingolabial direction varied, depending on the background jaw-clenching force (BCF) of the same-sided first molars. The BCF levels to elicit excitatory reflexes were 6-8 Kgf, and inhibitory reflexes were clearly elicited with a BCF of 10 Kgf and beyond. (ii) Duration of percussion sounds via an occlusal sound analyser (4.73-4.84 mS: upper first molars, 4.89-5.00 mS: uppercentageral incisors) and tooth mobility using a 'Periotest' (3.3-3.5: upper first molars, 5.5-5.6: uppercentageral incisors) showed a normal value. (iii) The time moments of occlusal contacts were symmetrical toward the midsagittal axis of the occlusal plane. The centre of the anteroposterior occlusal contacts was located in the first molar regions.