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Psychophysical experiments of thermoperception in human teeth
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|July 1, 1987
Summary
This study suggests that cold receptors exist within human teeth, as evidenced by accurate cold perception in vital teeth. However, no warm receptors were detected, and cold perception was impaired by anesthesia and reduced in devital teeth.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- The presence and function of sensory receptors within human teeth remain incompletely understood.
- Previous research has not definitively established the existence of intradental thermoreceptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of cold and warm receptors within human anterior teeth.
- To determine if thermal stimuli are perceived directly from within the tooth structure.
Main Methods:
- Electrical thermode stimulation of anterior teeth with temperatures of 0.5°C, 35°C, and 71°C.
- Comparative testing of vital and devital teeth, with and without adjacent tissue anesthesia.
- Analysis of correct stimulus identification and response latency.
Main Results:
- Subjects could correctly identify cold stimuli significantly above chance levels in vital teeth.
- No evidence of warm perception was found in human anterior teeth.
- Surface anesthesia and devitalized teeth significantly impaired cold perception, suggesting intradental neural involvement.
Conclusions:
- The findings strongly suggest the existence of cold receptors within human anterior teeth.
- Warm receptors were not identified within the tested teeth.
- Intradental neural structures play a crucial role in cold thermal perception of teeth.