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A new method for evaluating the threshold of periodontal ligament mechanoreceptor by slow speed mechanical stimulation
Author(s) -
Oki Kazuhiro,
Hamanaka Mai,
Arima Taro,
Takahashi Shuhei,
Hasegawa Kouichi,
Minagi Shogo
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of periodontal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0765
pISSN - 0022-3484
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0765.2003.00679.x
Subject(s) - periodontal fiber , mechanoreceptor , stimulus (psychology) , stimulation , physical stimulation , sensory threshold , ligament , dentistry , materials science , biomedical engineering , medicine , anatomy , psychology , psychotherapist , cognitive science
Objectives: This study aimed to establish a reliable method for detecting the threshold for perception of force applied to tooth and to report the basic properties of force threshold in the normal dentition subjects. Background: The perception of mechanical stimulation exerted to tooth is formed by input from periodontal ligament mechanoreceptors and intradental mechanoreceptors. Periodontal ligament mechanoreceptors respond to a wide range speed of stimulus, whereas intradental mechanoreceptors are activated only by a rapid stimulation. Reliable properties of perception have not been reported because of the difficulties to regulate velocity and degree of the stimulus. Methods: Eighteen healthy subjects were observed in this study (mean age: 27.2 ± 5.7 years). A loading device to generate slow speed loading was fabricated and measured as follows: (i) the fluctuation of the force threshold within a day, (ii) day‐to‐day fluctuation, (iii) changes in the force threshold by a transient mechanical loading. Results: In the normal dentition, it was observed that the fluctuation within a day and day to day of the pressure sense showed no significant differences; however, a transient mechanical loading caused the sensitivity of the periodontal ligament to decrease significantly. Conclusions: The device examining the force threshold resulted from periodontal ligament mechanoreceptors was useful in evaluating the sensitivity of the periodontal ligament.