Cervical dentin hypersensitivity. Part III: resolution following occlusal equilibration.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study was designed to investigate changes of cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) in response to occlusal equilibration.


METHODS
Written records for 250 active-care patients were randomly selected and analyzed for associations between CDH, and its resolution following occlusal equilibration. Patients in group A (treatment) and B (delayed treatment) received occlusal equilibration following the detection of verified CDH using the air indexing method. Group C patients were not detected with verified CDH during the study period of 17 years. The resolution of CDH was measured by the loss of a positive patient threshold response to air stimulation.


RESULTS
Significant associations existed between CDH, hyperfunction, parafunction, and abfractive lesions. Furthermore, it was found that occlusal equilibration resulted in the long-term resolution of CDH.


CONCLUSIONS
The resolution of CDH by occlusal equilibration, thus negating the null hypothesis, suggests that further studies are indicated to evaluate the impact of these findings upon restoring and maintaining health of the masticatory system.
Coleman
Thomas A
TA
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Western New England, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA.
Grippo
John O
JO
Kinderknecht
Keith E
KE
D000328:Adult; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000150:complications; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019558:Occlusal Adjustment; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000150:complications; D019237:Tooth Cervix