The relationship between the structure of the masticatory apparatus and diet has long been investigated in bats (Freeman, 1981; 1984; Van Cakenberghe, Herrel, & Aguirre, 2002, Swartz, Freeman, & Stockwell, 2003; Nogueira, Monteiro, Peracchi, & De Araujo, 2005; Dumont, Herrel, Medellin, Vargas-Contreras, & Santana, 2009; Nogueira, Peracchi, & Monteiro, 2009).
Members of the genus Myotis represent an excellent model to examine changes in the masticatory apparatus morphology associated to the evolution of piscivory from insectivorous ancestors (Lewis-Oritt et al., 2001).
Functional assessment of the
masticatory apparatus and muscles consists of a medical interview and a physical examination.
The pattern of eruption, degree of impaction and incidence of agenesis is dependent upon facial growth, functional
masticatory apparatus, nature of diet, teeth size, genetic variation and extent of tooth attrition.6,7 Impacted mandibular third molar can present clinically with complaints like pain, swelling, trismus, fever, difficulty in eating, chewing and food impaction.
Human temporomandibular joint is an integrative component of the
masticatory apparatus, one of the most complex joints in the human body, and is still the subject of extensive investigations and controversy(4,5).
They used geometric morphometric techniques to study skull size and shape, analyzed the functional morphology of the
masticatory apparatus, and compared biomechanics and enamel microstructure of incisors and cheek teeth.
Clinical Examination: The
masticatory apparatus (TMJs and masticatory muscles) and neck muscles were examined for sensitivity to palpation.
The central purpose of this text is to educate students in the dental and dental hygiene professions with an explanation of the structures related to the
masticatory apparatus. This new edition includes an additional author who had worked on revisions of previous texts and had made numerous contributions to the content in his area of expertise.
Mammalian
masticatory apparatus. Fieldiana Geol., 18:149-356.
Increased awareness of general population about their appearances, claims more esthetic results from dentists.1 Dentistry is taught as a subject that revolves around the art and science of esthetics and function of the
masticatory apparatus and its surrounding structures.
The main objective of endodontic therapy is to restore the treated tooth to its proper form and function in the
masticatory apparatus. Knowledge of the normal or unusual possible configurations of the pulp and root morphology along with proper determination of working length of the root canals are of utmost importance in the endodontic treatment success and prognosis.1 A lack of knowledge of internal anatomy and its variations will undoubtedly lead to an error in localization, instrumentation and obturation of root canal and therefore the prognosis.
In this diagnostic method the masticatory system is allowed to adapt to the new treatment approach easily with the option of modifications at all levels or even cancelling the whole treatment without any adverse effect on the teeth or the
masticatory apparatus.
