Threshold of tactile sensitivity perceived with dental endosseous implants and natural teeth

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the threshold of tactile perception of endosseous dental implants and to assess the relative difference of that threshold between implants and teeth. Twenty-two subjects with implants of the ITI Dental Implant System were included in the study. All implants served as abutments for single tooth crowns and had been in function for a minimum of 1 year. A strain gauge glued to the shaft of an amalgam plugger served as a force sensor. It transformed the elastic deformation exerted onto the shaft into an electronic signal for recording. By use of the amalgam plugger, a continuously increasing force was exercised on the implants or teeth until the first sensation of touch was indicated by the patient. Statistical analysis revealed threshold values for the implants ranging from 13.2 to 189.4 g (1 g = 0.01 N) (mean 100.6; SD 47.7), while a range of 1.2 to 26.2 g (mean 11.5; SD 11.5) was found for control teeth. Thus, the mean threshold values for implants were 8.75 times higher than for teeth. This difference was highly statistically significant. A general linear models procedure was applied to determine the influence of patient age, jaw, implant position and the threshold values of teeth on the measurements obtained for implants. Only gender and the threshold values for contralateral teeth had a significant influence. These 2 parameters together explained 27% of the variability in threshold measurements. It is concluded that a more than 8-fold higher threshold value for tactile perception exists for implants compared with teeth.

The contents of dental implant patient information leaflets available within the UK

“…However, there is a significant difference in the threshold of tactile sensitivity between teeth replaced by dental implants and natural teeth 23 . It is possible to replace missing teeth with implant retained restorations which have an appearance very similar to natural teeth, but this can be difficult.…”

Zirconia ceramics in metal-free implant dentistry

“…However, Lan et al [122] suggested that a 0.7-mm occlusal thickness is necessary when applied with an implant. This difference may relate to the loss of periodontal receptors in the implant and the relatively high sensitivity to load compared with natural teeth [123]. As discussed above, rescrewing after a complete restoration in a clinical context is beneficial to reduce screw loosening.…”

Biomechanical outcomes of tooth-implant-supported fixed partial prostheses (FPPs) in periodontally healthy patients using root shape dental implants

“…No periodontal ligament receptors are available for tactile function if the tooth is replaced by an endosseous implant 23 . When the threshold of perception of teeth and implants are compared, higher values have been reported for implants.…”

“…When the threshold of perception of teeth and implants are compared, higher values have been reported for implants. Hämmerle et al 23 conducted an in vivo study to determine the threshold of tactile perception of (1500-1750Gm). Teeth with a healthy periodontium will show a narrow and sharply delimited zone of terminal TM.…”

“…The second issue is the difference of tactile sensitivity threshold between implants and teeth which is 8,75 times higher for implants 23 . This significant difference in mechanoperception may cause ineffective bite force control and stress concentration on the implant side of implant-tooth-supported FPPs.…”