title: Comparison between implant-supported prostheses and teeth regarding passive threshold level.
abstract: A passive threshold determination was carried out on 31 patients subdivided into four test groups according to different prosthesis types supported by osseointegrated implants. They were compared to a control group of 10 patients with nonrestored natural test teeth. Forces were generated by a solenoid-driven stimulating device, which was placed in contact with the implant or tooth prior to the actual force rise to avoid impact forces. The findings indicate that the threshold level of implants is 50 times higher than that of natural teeth when tapping is avoided, which might otherwise trigger distant receptors. Bone deformation triggering the periosteal mechanoreceptors is the most logical explanation for the sensation reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology (Laboratory of Oral Physiology), Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: van Steenberghe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000294:innervation; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003442:Crowns; D015921:Dental Implants; D017266:Dental Prosthesis; D003824:Denture, Complete; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D014070:Tooth / Q000502:physiology*; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants