Science of K7 Electronic Diagnostic Instrumentation

The Science Behind K7 Electronic Diagnostic Instrumentation — Why Objective Measurement Is the Foundation of GNM Dentistry

The K7 Evaluation System is not simply a dental technology — it is the scientific foundation upon which GNM dentistry is built. Without objective measurement of muscle activity, jaw position, joint sounds and mandibular trajectory the GNM clinician is no different from any other dentist — making educated guesses about where the jaw should be. The K7 changes that entirely. It has received the ADA Seal of Acceptance for surface electromyography, computerized mandibular scanning and electrosonography as diagnostic aids in the management of temporomandibular disorders. It is supported by decades of peer reviewed research. And it is the only system that — in the hands of a GNM trained clinician — can objectively confirm that treatment is working before the patient leaves the chair.

ADA Acceptance of K7

SUFFICIENT SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE & STUDIES VALIDATING K7 ELECTRO INSTRUMENTATION

The American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs has awarded surface electromyography (SEMG), Computer Mandibular Scanning (CMS), and Sonography its “Seal of Acceptance”, as diagnostic aids in the management of temporomandibular disorders. (Report on Acceptance of TMD Devices, ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, JADA, Vol. 127, November 1996).

“The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs Acceptance of K7/EMG Electromyography, K7/CMS Jaw Tracking and K7/ESG Electrosonogram is based on its findings that the products are effective for measuring physiologic or anatomic parameters of the temporomandibular musculoskeletal complex, when used as directed.” June 16, 2005.

Many investigators have confirmed the safety, efficacy and value of surface electromyography for assessing RESTING and FUNCTIONAL status of muscle. There is a broad body of literature that supports the physiologic basis for using surface EMG as an aid in assessment of muscle function/ dysfunction. (Moyer, 1949; Lippold, 1952; Perry, 1954; Bigland and Lippold, 1954; Jarabak, 1956; Perry, 1957; Porrit, 1960; Grossman, 1961; Moss and Greenfield, 1965; Moller, 1976; Mitani et al., 1972; Moss and Chalmers, 1974; Moller, 1975; Yemm, 1976; Milner-Brown and Stein, 1975; Pruim et al., 1978; Bakke et al., 1980 Riise et al., 1982; Sheikholeslam et al., 1982; Sheikholeslam et al., 1983 Riise et al., 1984; Algren et al., 1985; Kyslinski et al., 1985; Sherman, 1985; Goldensohn, 1986; Hermans et al., 1986; Kydd et al., 1986; Sheikholeslam et al., 1986; Balciunas et al., 1987, Burdette and Gale, 1987; Wood, 1987; Crain and Clemons, 1988; Chong-Shan and Hui-yun, 1989; Christensen, 1989; Koole et al.; Neil etal., 1989; Van Eijen et al., 1990; Jankelson, 1992; Lynn et al, 1992).

There are numerous studies that support the physiologic basis for using quantitative electromyography in the diagnosis of temporomandibular and occlusal disorders (Moyers, 1949; Perry, 1954; Jarabak, 1956; Perry, 1957; Porritt, 1960; Grossman, 1961; Moller, 1966; Yemm, 1976; Bakke et al., 1980; Riise et al,, 1982; Sheikholeslam et al., 1983; Riise et al., 1984; Kydd et al., 1986).

There is evidence, based on controlled studies that used extensive statistical tests, that surface electromyography is reliable and reprducible (Goldensohn, 1966; Lloyd, 1971; Mitani and Yamashita, 1978; Riise, 1983; Hermens et al., 1986; Burdette adn Gale, 1987).

Controlled studies that used extensive statistical tests show that there is a strong relationship between EMG and muscular force (Lippold, 1952; Bigland et al., 1954; Molin, 1972; Milner-Brown, 1975; Pruim, 1978).

A MEASURED APPROACH – Predictability and Reliability