[Changes of vibration frequency due to root resorption of deciduous tooth]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of vibration frequency of a deciduous tooth due to physiological root resorption. The author developed an analysis system for tooth vibration by applying an impact-hammer to the tooth. Peak frequency (Hz) of the tooth stimulated by the impact-hammer was observed by the analysis system. The following results were obtained: 1) Peak frequency of the tooth vibration shifted to a lower range according to the root resorption both in vitro (simulation model) and in vivo (15 children) and a high positive correlation was found between the peak frequency and the crown-root length ratio (r = 0.840). 2) A cause of the frequency shift to the lower range was not related to the tooth weight but to the change of tooth gravity due to the root resorption. 3) It was considered that the vibration analysis system could be useful on measuring tooth mobility in vivo and in clinic as well.