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Forces exerted by a conventional dental explorer during clinical examination
J Wagner1, G Thomas, C Stanford
1College of Engineering and College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1527, USA.
Caries Research
|August 20, 2003
Summary
This study measured clinical forces during dental exams, finding a wide range of forces used. Previous research forces generally fall within this observed clinical range.
Area of Science:
- Dental diagnostics
- Biomechanical engineering
Background:
- Accurate force measurement is crucial for understanding dental procedures.
- Previous research force values may not always reflect clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the forces exerted during clinical dental examinations.
- To compare clinical forces with those used in prior research.
Main Methods:
- A novel force-measuring transducer integrated with a dental explorer was developed.
- Strain gauges within the transducer measured vertical and lateral forces.
- Experienced dentists conducted caries examinations on subjects using the device.
Main Results:
- The average clinical force was 340 +/- 6 g (SEM), with a broad range of 14-1,006 g.
- The standard deviation for force was 218 g, indicating significant variability.
- An average of 6.2 +/- 0.2 (SEM) contacts per tooth was recorded.
Conclusions:
- Clinical dental examination forces exhibit considerable variability.
- While some research forces exceed the average, they remain within the observed clinical range.
- This data provides a benchmark for force application in dental research and practice.