Electromyographic evaluation of the activity of masseter and anterior fibers of temporalis in mandibular rest position

Abstract EN

Background : this study was conducted to evaluate the activity in anterior fibers of temporalis and masseter muscles at habitual rest position of the mandible and to determine the range of minimum muscle activity for these two muscles, using electrophysiological study ; EMG power spectrum analysis.

Materials and method : the sample consisted of 31 Iraqi dental students (11 males and 20 females) from undergraduate and postgraduate students, at the College of Dentistry, Baghdad University.

Results : the results of this study indicated that the anterior fibers of temporalis muscle showed higher EMG activity than that for masseter muscle in habitual rest position and at different interocclusal distances and the interocclusal distance of 2-4mm showed the best clinical rest position to be used in prosthodontic treatment.

Conclusion : the EMG activity of the masticatory muscles varies from to another.