Effects of acute pain and strain of the periodontium due to orthodontic separation on the occlusal tactile acuity of healthy individuals

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess whether pain and strain of the periodontal ligament (PDL), induced by orthodontic separation, alter the somatosensory ability to perceive small thicknesses between occluding teeth (occlusal tactile acuity, OTA). Methods The OTA was tested at baseline (T0), using 9 aluminum foils (range 8–72 μm), randomly placed between the molar teeth, and 1 sham test (without foil), asking the participants whether they felt the foil between their teeth. Afterwards, orthodontic separators were placed, and subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups: Group Pain (GP: 18 males; 14 females mean age 25.22 ± 2.28 years) had separators removed after 24 h; Group Strain (GS: 14 males; 17 females, mean age 24.03 ± 3.06 years) had separators removed after 7 days. The OTA measurement was repeated in both groups immediately after orthodontic separators removal (T1). A within-group comparison (T1 vs T0) was performed for each testing thickness (ANOVA for repeated measurements, with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing) (p < 0.005). Results GP showed statistically significant reduction of the OTA at T1, as compared to T0, for the thicknesses 24 μm (p = 0.004) and 32 μm (p = 0.001). No significant reduction was observed in GS (all p > 0.005). Conclusions Acute periodontal pain tends to disturb the tactile ability of the teeth, while strain of the PDL in absence of painful sensation determines a return to OTA baseline values. Clinical relevance The reduction of OTA might explain the uncomfortable occlusal sensation referred by patients during acute periodontal pain.

Effects of pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement on tactile sensation of periodontal ligaments

“…Bucci et al studied how pain and periodontal ligament stretching caused by tooth movement affect periodontal ligament tactile sensation [5]. Occlusal tactile acuity during occlusion was measured before insertion of the separator elastics, 24 hr after insertion of the elastics between the mesial and distal maxillary rst molars, and 7…”

“…Occlusal tactile acuity was evaluated by having the teeth bite aluminum foil of various thicknesses. The results demonstrated that occlusal tactile acuity was reduced signi cantly compared to that before the use of separator elastics [5]. Stimulation of brain regions associated with the pain response is regarded as interfering with and delaying the transmission of tactile stimulation, possibly resulting in reduced tactile sensation.…”

“…The periodontal ligament is a tissue that responds to loads applied to the tooth, producing tactile, pressure, and vibration sensations [1][2][3]. Periodontal ligament sensation is extremely sensitive, su cient to detect even micrometer thickness [4,5], playing an important role in detecting the size and hardness of food masses [6] and adjusting the jaw position and bite force [7]. The presence of the periodontal ligament is also necessary for moving teeth.…”

Effects of pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement on tactile sensation of periodontal ligaments

“…When the periodontal ligament responds to loads applied to the tooth, it produces tactile, pressure, and vibration sensations [ 1 – 3 ]. Periodontal ligament sensations are extremely sensitive, able to detect even micrometer thickness [ 4 , 5 ] and playing important roles in detecting food mass size and hardness [ 6 ] and in adjusting the jaw position and bite force [ 7 ]. The presence of the periodontal ligament is also necessary for moving teeth.…”

“…Occlusal tactile acuity was evaluated by having the teeth bite aluminum foil of various thicknesses. The results demonstrated that occlusal tactile acuity was significantly lower than that before the use of separator elastics [ 5 ]. Stimulation of brain regions associated with the pain response presumably interferes with and delays the transmission of tactile stimulation, possibly reducing tactile sensation.…”