Moana Filho, Estephan Jose2010-04-012010-04-012010-02https://hdl.handle.net/11299/60102University of Minnesota Master of Science thesis. February 2010. Major: Dentistry. Advisor: Donald R. Nixdorf. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 38 pages.Introduction: Few methods exist to study central nervous system processes following intraoral somatosensory stimulation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), due to inherent technical difficulties associated with this imaging tool. Our goal was to develop and perform feasibility testing of a novel device capable of delivering valid and reliable intraoral somatosensory stimuli at dental chair-side and during MRI. Methods: Details of a device designed to deliver intraoral dynamic pressure stimuli are described. Device testing took place in three settings: a) laboratory testing to assess range of stimulus force intensities, b) dental chair-side to assess reliability, validity and discriminant ability in force-pain relationship; and c) MRI to evaluate magnetic compatibility and ability to evoke brain activation in painfree subjects similar to those described in the literature. Results: A novel device capable of delivering valid and reliable intraoral somatosensory stimulation was developed (ICC=0.89, 0.78-1 [95% CI]). Psychophysical data analysis showed high discriminant ability in differentiating painfree controls from AO cases (sensitivity=100%, specificity=86.7%, area under ROC curve=0.99). fMRI results of intraoral dynamic pressure pain in painfree subjects revealed activation of brain areas typically associated with acute pain processing including thalamus, primary and secondary somatosensory, insular, and prefrontal cortices. Conclusions: A novel psychophysical method to deliver dynamic intraoral pressure stimulation was developed and validated, allowing non-invasive exploration of cortical and subcortical mechanisms of intraoral somatosensation.en-USDentistryThesis or Dissertation