Comparison of methods for measuring root and mucogingival sensitivity

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the variability of measurements of root and mucogingival sensitivity over a 24-hour period. Study design. Sixteen individuals (46.8 +/- 3.2 years old) were randomly tested for pain thresholds with calibrated electrical stimulation of the root and adjacent mucosa (electric pulp tester), pressure on mucosa (pressure-sensitive probe), and cold on the root (experimental thermocoupler probe) at baseline and after 4, 8, and 24 hours. Variability between and within subjects was estimated by using analysis of variance for random effects. Results. Intrasubject variability was highest for electric testing of the root and lowest for cold testing of the root across time. Of all subjects, 93% fell within 5 degreesC at all periods for the cold stimulation/moderate pain threshold. Conclusions. Calibrated cold stimulation of root areas appears to provide the most sensitive measure to assess therapeutic interventions to control cervical dental pain because of low intrasubject variability in untreated patients.