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Comparison of methods for measuring root and mucogingival sensitivity
B W Walline1, J G Wagner, D B Marx
1University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE 68583-0757, USA.
Summary
Calibrated cold stimulation of tooth roots offers the most reliable method for measuring dental sensitivity over 24 hours. This technique shows the lowest patient variability, aiding in evaluating treatments for cervical dental pain.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Pain Research
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Assessing dental sensitivity is crucial for evaluating treatments targeting cervical dental pain.
- Understanding the variability of sensory measurements is key to reliable clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the measurement variability of root and mucogingival sensitivity over a 24-hour period.
- To determine the most reliable method for assessing dental sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen participants underwent testing for pain thresholds using electrical stimulation, pressure, and cold stimuli on root and mucosal areas.
- Measurements were taken at baseline and at 4, 8, and 24 hours.
- Intrasubject and intersubject variability were analyzed using variance analysis.
Main Results:
- Intrasubject variability was highest for electric pulp testing of the root and lowest for cold stimulation of the root.
- Cold stimulation of the root demonstrated high consistency, with 93% of subjects showing results within a 5°C range.
- Electrical and pressure stimulation methods exhibited greater variability.
Conclusions:
- Calibrated cold stimulation of root areas provides the most sensitive and reliable measure for assessing therapeutic interventions.
- This method is recommended for evaluating treatments aimed at controlling cervical dental pain due to its low intrasubject variability.
- Cold stimulation offers a consistent and reproducible method for clinical dental pain assessment.