The effect of experimental stress and experimental occlusal interference on masseteric EMG activity.

This experiment attempted to study the separate and combined effects of occlusal interference and transient stress on masseteric activity among eight nonclinical human subjects. Before each of two sessions, subjects were fitted with an occlusal interference or an occlusally inert (control) molar clasp. During each session they viewed horrific and idyllic videotapes while masseter EMG was recorded bilaterally.

Demand effects for desensitization and two placebos in a dental fear context.

Forty-five subjects sampled two sessions of a prototype desensitization treatment, two sessions of the Modified Avoidance Response Placebo or two sessions of Pseudotherapy. Each subject simulated the effects on dental fear of the experimental regimen to which he was exposed. Each subject also rated the credibility of the sampled regimen.