# An Assessment of the Sensory Function in the Maxillofacial Region: A Dual-Case Pilot Study

## TL;DR

This pilot study explores how different methods of measuring trigeminal nerve responses affect clinical interpretations, aiming to improve neurostimulation therapies for dental prostheses.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel occluded TSEP method to assess the impact of bite force on neural responses, previously unexplored in this context.

## Key findings

- Traditional TSEPs showed methodological feasibility with satisfactory results.
- Occluded TSEPs under high force conditions produced unexpected responses due to overlapping stimulation and occlusion.
- The study highlights the need for larger sample sizes and refined protocols to improve TSEP reliability.

## Abstract

Trigeminal somatosensory-evoked potentials (TSEPs) provide valuable insight into neural responses to oral stimuli. This study investigates TSEP recording methods and their impact on interpreting results in clinical settings to improve the development process of neurostimulation-based therapies. The experiments and results presented here aim at identifying appropriate stimulation characteristics to design an active dental prosthesis capable of contributing to restoring the lost neurosensitive connection between the teeth and the brain. Two methods of TSEP acquisition, traditional and occluded, were used, each conducted by a different volunteer. Traditional TSEP acquisition involves stimulation at different sites with varying parameters to achieve a control base. In contrast, occluded TSEPs examine responses acquired under low- and high-force bite conditions to assess the influence of periodontal mechanoreceptors and muscle activation on measurements. Traditional TSEPs demonstrated methodological feasibility with satisfactory results despite a limited subject pool. However, occluded TSEPs presented challenges in interpreting results, with responses deviating from expected norms, particularly under high force conditions, due to the simultaneous occurrence of stimulation and dental occlusion. While traditional TSEPs highlight methodological feasibility, the occluded approach highlights complexities in outcome interpretation and urges caution in clinical application. Previously unreported results were achieved, which underscores the importance of conducting further research with larger sample sizes and refined protocols in order to strengthen the reliability and validity of TSEP assessments.