Neuroplasticity&Rehabilitation of Edentulous Patient: A Review

A vast and complex array of orofacial muscles and movements necessitate sophisticated and adaptive neural circuits providing for their control and integration with other motor functions. It is apparent from anatomical, electrophysiological, imaging and behavioural studies of the face sensorimotor cortex in humans or laboratory animals, that the face primary motor cortex and the face primary somatosensory cortex, contribute not only to the control of elemental and learned orofacial movements, but also to mastication, swallowing; these in the past have been mostly attributed to brainstem regulatory mechanisms. However, sensorimotor capabilities of edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures, or even implant-supported prostheses, do not match those of dentate subjects. It is unclear why some patients adapt quickly to losing their teeth or prosthetic replacements and relearn and regain the lost sensorimotor skills or acquire new ones; whereas others adapt slowly, or sometimes do not, retaining their sensorimotor deficits. Extensive neuroscience research has provided insights into the remarkable neuroplastic ability of the nervous system in general, plus its crucial role in the adaptive processes during development through adulthood, and following any rehabilitative attempt.