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.