Researcher's understanding about how to prevent damage to dental implants has taken a step forward through observation of a reptile that has teeth fused directly into its jaw. The Tuatara resembles a lizard in appearance but unlike reptiles or mammals the Tuatara has no periodontal ligament to help hold teeth in place. Researchers based in the United Kingdom launched an investigation of the Tuatara to better understand how actions between the jaw, muscles and brain can prevent damage to dental implants and jaw joints. Tuataras live more than 60 years in the wild without replacing their teeth. The study team used a three-dimensional computer model to analyze data about the interaction between the Tuatara's jaw joint and muscles. They discovered the animals can unconsciously measure the forces in their jaw joint and make adjustments to the strength of the jaw muscle contractions accordingly. Researchers concluded that while the study crystallizes the reason individuals who have dental prostheses are able to process feedback in the brain and guide their bite force relative to the food being eaten, it also underscores the value of the periodontal ligament in making fine adjustments for chewing.
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