Ultra-low-frequency Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation for Recording Functional Impression and Neuromuscular-oriented Centric Relation in a Completely Edentulous Patient: A Case Report
Aim and objective: This case report aims to highlight the use of ultra-low-frequency (ULF) transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) as a treatment alternative for the rehabilitation of a completely edentulous patient with altered neuromuscular coordination.
Background: Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation has been successfully used in the management of orofacial pain-related problems in patients. Due to its ability to produce coordinated muscular activity, it can also be used as an effective modality in removable prosthodontics for the rehabilitation of patients with altered neuromuscular coordination.
Case description: This case report describes the use of ULF-TENS in prosthodontic management of a 64-year-old female patient with difficulty in chewing for the last 4 years due to loss of all her teeth. Examination revealed that the patient had altered neuromuscular coordination and was unable to guide the mandible into a repeated centric relation position. ULF-TENS has been applied at an amplitude of 0–20 mA with a frequency below 4 Hz for 30 minutes in a continuous mode. This led to coordinated rhythmic muscular contraction with relief of pain and muscle relaxation, thus producing functionally molded borders and helped in guiding the mandible to a repeatable physiologically stable neuromuscular-based maxillomandibular relation. The patient was followed up at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months interval and was comfortable and satisfied with the prosthesis.
Conclusion: Ultra-low-frequency TENS can be a practical treatment modality for the recording of peripheral borders and centric jaw relation for the fabrication of a complete denture prosthesis that is in harmony with the gnathological system.
Clinical significance: Ultra-low-frequency TENS can be an alternative treatment modality for the fabrication of complete denture prosthesis with enhanced success in patients with altered neuromuscular coordination.
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