Passive tactile sensibility of teeth and osseointegrated dental implants in the maxilla.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare passive tactile sensibility of natural teeth and osseointegrated dental implants in the maxilla.

Material And Methods: Twenty-nine patients (17 males and 12 females) were included in the study. Natural teeth were subdivided into two groups: non endodontically treated teeth (NETT) and endodontically treated teeth (ETT). A computer-controlled custom-made pressure sensitive device was modified for intraoral use. Pushing forces were applied parallel to the vertical axis of teeth and implants. The patient held a signal button which he/she activated as soon as touch was sensed. At this moment the computer registered passive tactile threshold - measured in Newtons. The mean values of passive tactile sensibility for natural teeth and dental implants were calculated. Comparison of the mean values was performed by the means of t-test.

Results: Passive tactile threshold for osseointegrated dental implants was 2.50 N (SD=1.39), and for teeth - 0.72 N (SD=0.49), for non endodontically treated teeth it was 0.66 N (SD=0.43) and for endodontically treated teeth - 0.96 N (SD=0.87). The differences in mean values were statistically significant (p<0.001) except for mean values of NETT vs. ETT.

Conclusion: This study shows that patients with osseointegrated implants subjectively feel "touch" sensation when greater force is applied compared with natural teeth.