Determination of vertical dimension in implant prostheses with surface electromyography

Background The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the possibility of determining an individually correct vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) through the use of surface electromyography (sEMG). Methods A total of 20 patients were prospectively enrolled in this study each requiring an implant prosthetic rehabilitation. For each patient three acquisitions were performed by the use of the electromyograph EasyMyo (TFR Technology, Udine, Italy). The individually correct VDO was achieved by the modification of provisional prosthetics, following the stabilization of indices indicated by the EMGGest software. Results At the time of delivery of the final prosthesis, all the considered indices showed values in the biological range. This means the achievement of an occlusion perfectly integrated in the neuromuscolar individual system and achievement of an individually correct VDO. Discussion Occlusal adjustments of VDO are made guided by the electric muscle activity measured by the sEMG. This procedure can positively affect the implant success rate because in conditions of neuromuscular balance overloading components are reduced.