Conclusion of Introduction
Conclusion
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 interpreted as a "Complex System"[1] 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.
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".[2]
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 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.[3][4] 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.
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What do we mean by “Complex Systems” when we are talking about masticatory functions? |
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_system
- ↑ Sadegh-Zadeh Kazem, «Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine», Springer, 2012, Dordrecht».
ISBN: 978-94-007-2259-0
DOI:10.1007/978-94-007-2260-6 . - ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
particularly focusing on the field of the neurophysiology of the masticatory system