Tactile sensation and occlusal loading condition of mandibular premolars and molars.

The aim of the study was to investigate any correlation between tactile sensation and occlusal loading conditions of mandibular premolars and molars, by means of tactile detection threshold (TDT). TDTs of mandibular premolars and molars of twenty adults were determined by calibrated monofilaments. Occlusal force (OF) applied on each tooth at maximal-clenching was measured by a pressure-sensitive film. There was neither a correlation between the mean TDTs and the total OFs of individual participant nor in each tooth type. TDTs of the teeth on the preferred chewing side were significantly higher than those of the contralateral side. The results suggest that periodontal sensation is more related to frequency than to magnitude of loading.