Advancements in Methods of Classification and Measurement Used to Assess Tooth Mobility: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Tooth mobility assessment is vital for diagnosing periodontal disease and guiding treatment plans.
• Existing research includes various classifications and electronic devices for objective tooth mobility measurement.
• A lack of consensus persists regarding standardized measurement methods and criteria for tooth mobility assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of historical and current tooth mobility classification and measurement techniques.
• To identify the limitations and inconsistencies in existing tooth mobility assessment protocols.
• To propose the consideration of a novel digital approach for intuitive tooth mobility evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on tooth mobility classification and measurement.
• Analysis of past and present methodologies for assessing tooth mobility.
• Exploration of digital technologies for objective micromovement recording.

Main Results:

• Numerous classifications and measurement devices for tooth mobility have been developed.
• A definitive consensus on tooth mobility measurement methods and criteria is currently lacking.
• Digital approaches offer potential for recording dynamic tooth micromovements.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of existing tooth mobility assessment methods is essential.
• The absence of a standardized approach hinders consistent clinical evaluation.
• A digital, dynamic load-based method is proposed for intuitive and objective tooth mobility assessment.