Effect of inhomogeneous static magnetic field on dental pain in humans.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pain-inhibitory effect of inhomogeneous static magnetic field (SMF, 0 to 192 mT peak-to-peak magnetic flux density and 19 T/m lateral gradient) exposure on dental pain associated with dentine sensitivity by the quantification of sensory and affective aspects.

METHODS

(1) 0 to 10 numerical rating visual analogue scale (NRS) in the first minute of dental treatment following 30 minutes SMF exposure (uncontrolled), and (2) tolerance threshold measurement (TTM) with the help of a pulp meter showing values from 0 to 80 in arbitrary units (step width 10 unit) before and after 30 minutes SMF exposure in 2 sessions: SMF and sham exposure (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled). Altogether 59 adult patients (26 males+33 females) representing 62 cases with a mean age of 43.6 years (73% between 20 and 50 y) participated.

RESULTS

SMF failed to significantly reduce pain perception in the NRS group and to enhance tolerance threshold in the TTM group.

DISCUSSION

Common dental disorders often involve an inflammatory state in the oral environment. Although the relatively low participant number and the uncontrolled manner in case of the NRS examination did not allow drawing unambiguous consequences, it seemed that SMF did not have an effect on healthy patients. The only potential candidate for an effect was, when an inflammatory situation occurred at (or under) the place, where the SMF exposure was targeted. In our case the male participants with caries responded most positively on the SMF treatment.