Comparison of methods for measuring root and mucogingival sensitivity

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the variability of measurem ents of root and mucogingival sensitivity over a 24-hour period. Study design. Sixteen individuals (46.8 +/- 3.2 years old) were randomly te sted for pain thresholds with calibrated electrical stimulation of the root and adjacent mucosa (electric pulp tester), pressure on mucosa (pressure-s ensitive probe), and cold on the root (experimental thermocoupler probe) at baseline and after 4, 8, and 24 hours. Variability between and within subj ects was estimated by using analysis of variance for random effects. Results. Intrasubject variability was highest for electric testing of the r oot and lowest for cold testing of the root across time. Of all subjects, 9 3% fell within 5 degreesC at all periods for the cold stimulation/moderate pain threshold. Conclusions. Calibrated cold stimulation of root areas appears to provide t he most sensitive measure to assess therapeutic interventions to control ce rvical dental pain because of low intrasubject variability in untreated pat ients.