Masticationpedia

Difference between revisions of "Introduction"

Page Discussion
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Through the examination of these electrophysiological data – Figures 1b, 1c, and now 1d – a picture emerges that challenges conventional interpretations of malocclusion and its clinical implications. The observed functional symmetry in these measurements indicates that the approach to diagnosing and treating malocclusions could significantly benefit from a broader evaluation, including detailed analysis of neuromuscular function. These results emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic model that goes beyond simply correcting occlusal discrepancies to include an overall assessment of the well-being of the masticatory system and, by extension, the patient.
Through the examination of these electrophysiological data – Figures 1b, 1c, and now 1d – a picture emerges that challenges conventional interpretations of malocclusion and its clinical implications. The observed functional symmetry in these measurements indicates that the approach to diagnosing and treating malocclusions could significantly benefit from a broader evaluation, including detailed analysis of neuromuscular function. These results emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic model that goes beyond simply correcting occlusal discrepancies to include an overall assessment of the well-being of the masticatory system and, by extension, the patient.


{{qnq|Occlusal Dismorphisms and Not Malocclusion
<blockquote>''Occlusal Dismorphisms and Not Malocclusion ......which, as we will see shortly, is an entirely different matter.''</blockquote>
(...which, as we will see shortly, is an entirely different matter.)|}}


== Conclusion==
== Conclusion==
Even before drawing conclusions, conceptual clarity must be made on some fundamental points which of course will be treated in detail in the specific chapters of Masticationpedia.
Before proceeding with any conclusion, it is crucial to clarify some fundamental concepts that will be explored in more detail in specific chapters of Masticationpedia.


The Masticatory System should be considered as a “'''Complex System'''”<ref>''[[wpen:Complex system|Complex system]]'' on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Wikipedia]</ref>, not as a Biomechanical System focused exclusively on dental occlusion, because in this sense the “Occlusion” is nothing more than a subset of the Complex System interacting with the other subsets, such as periodontal receptors, neuromuscular spindles, recruitment of motor units, central nervous system, temporomandibular joint, etc., to give shape to an “Emerging Behaviour”, the masticatory one.
The masticatory system should be interpreted as a "Complex System"<ref>''[[wpen:Complex system|Complex system]]'' on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Wikipedia]</ref> rather than being reduced to a simple biomechanical mechanism focused solely on dental occlusion. From this perspective, occlusion represents only one of the numerous subsets operating within a broader context. These subsets include periodontal receptors, neuromuscular spindles, motor unit recruitment, the central nervous system, and the temporomandibular joint. The interaction among these components gives rise to what we can define as "Emergent Behavior", specifically masticatory behavior.


The peculiarity of this concept is that it is not possible to interpret or predict the “Emerging Behaviour” of a System by extracting objective data from a single subset. Instead, ''the integrity of the System must be quantified in its entirety'', and only then can a segmentation of the whole be attempted to make an analytical description of the node itself. There are very important intellectual and scientific movements that are engaging with this issue; in this regard, the extraordinary work of Prof. Kazem Sadegh-Zadeh: ''Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine'' comes to mind.<ref>{{cita libro  
This notion implies that the emergent behavior of the system cannot be interpreted or predicted solely based on objective data extracted from a single subset. Instead, it is necessary to assess the integrity of the system as a whole before proceeding with an analytical segmentation for a detailed description. There are significant intellectual and scientific movements addressing this challenge. A notable example is found in the work of Kazem Sadegh-Zadeh, "Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine".<ref>{{cita libro  
  | autore = Sadegh-Zadeh Kazem
  | autore = Sadegh-Zadeh Kazem
  | titolo = Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine
  | titolo = Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine
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  }}.</ref>
  }}.</ref>


In the presented case, the question is resolved in the following language logic:
In light of these considerations, the discussion on the case at hand follows the following linguistic logic: the various subsets of the masticatory system, such as teeth, occlusion, temporomandibular joints, and muscles, exhibit "Coherence" with the Central Trigeminal Nervous System (as illustrated in Figures 1b, 1c, and 1d). Consequently, the use of the term "Malocclusion" is inadequate; it would be more appropriate to speak of "Occlusal Dysmorphisms".


:The subsets of the Masticatory System (teeth, occlusion, Temporomandibular joints, muscles, etc.) are in a state of "Coherence” with the Central Trigeminal Nervous System (see figures 1b, 1c and 1d), so the term “Malocclusion” cannot be used, the phrase “Occlusal  Dismorphism” should be considered instead.
:
:{{q2|This does not mean abolishing prosthetic, orthodontic and orthognathic masticatory rehabilitation treatments: on the contrary, this forma mentis tends to restore medical knowledge to dental rehabilitation disciplines, as well as offering an alternative to the scientific reductionism that converges in a deterministic interpretation of the biological phenomenon.|}}
:{{q2|The proposition to consider the masticatory system as a "Complex System" does not imply the denial of existing rehabilitative therapies, such as prosthetic, orthodontic, and orthognathic treatments aimed at correcting masticatory dysfunctions. On the contrary, this innovative approach aims to reintegrate and enrich medical knowledge in rehabilitative dental disciplines, providing an alternative perspective to the scientific reductionism that tends to interpret biological phenomena in an overly deterministic manner.|}}Adopting a perspective that transcends the boundaries of individual specializations, as highlighted by the importance of interdisciplinarity, is crucial for enriching diagnostic and therapeutic models in dentistry. This approach is exemplified in the clinical case of a patient treated with the OrthoNeuroGnathodontic methodology, which provides an integrated overview of the masticatory system, combining aesthetic and functional-neurophysiological aspects. This interdisciplinary model aims to achieve "Occlusal Stability" and prevent "Relapses," particularly relevant in orthodontic and orthognathic treatments.<ref>Essam Ahmed Al-Moraissi, Larry M Wolford. Is Counterclockwise Rotation of the Maxillomandibular Complex Stable Compared With Clockwise Rotation in the Correction of Dentofacial Deformities? A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisJ Oral Maxillofac Surg.. 2016 Oct;74(10):2066.e1-2066.e12.doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2016.06.001. Epub 2016 Jun 11.
 
</ref><ref>J Hoffmannová, R Foltán, M Vlk, K Klíma, G Pavlíková, O Bulik. Factors affecting the stability of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of a mandible.Prague Med Rep. 2008;109(4):286-97.
 
</ref>  This perspective does not aim to eliminate existing rehabilitative practices but, on the contrary, seeks to enrich and restore value to dental rehabilitative disciplines, while offering an alternative to the reductionistic view that often dominates the interpretation of biological phenomena. In this context, an "Extraordinary Science" is introduced, which leverages interdisciplinarity to expand the boundaries of medical knowledge and practice.  In the meantime, let us take a reflective pause thanks to a provocative question from our curious companion, Linus Sapiens, the yellow figure positioned on the left. This allegorical interaction invites us to consider the complexity of the masticatory system with a sense of wonder and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of remaining open to new perspectives and innovative solutions in the field of dentistry.


[[File:Question_2.jpg|left|150px]]
[[File:Question_2.jpg|left|150px]]
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