| Summary: |
The NeuROP (Neuromodulation to Restore Oral Proprioception) project aims at validating a prototype of a smart prosthesis meant to restore the proprioception sensory function of people who lost their teeth.
Its operation relies on a microelectronic system that transforms the detected mechanical occlusion forces into electrical pulses that are then applied to trigeminal endings. When the person performs parafunctional movements, the force detected by sensors placed in between the prosthesis and the jaw, is converted by means of a neurostimulator into electrical stimuli with a frequency that increases with the force amplitude, mimicking thus the periodontal mechanoreceptors. These stimuli are applied to sensory trigeminal maxilla or mandible trigeminal endings by means of proper electrodes.
People who lose their natural teeth also lose the periodontal mechanoreceptors information on teeth load and position that needs to be sent to the central nervous system for proper somatosensory feedback.
Even using dental implants, several pathologies can arise due to the lack of this feedback, such as lack of proper control of the masticatory function, leading often to fractures in the dental implants, abutment screw loosening, peri-implantitis, as well as headache back pain, vicious posture, and stress diseases.
The objective of the NeuROP project is to implement a smart dental prosthesis and to carry out tests with volunteers to evaluate the improvements that can be achieved in terms of posture and masticatory
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