Clinical evaluation of cervical dentine sensitivity in a population of patients referred to a specialist periodontology department: a pilot study.

The prevalence of tooth sensitivity [Cervical Dentine Sensitivity (CDS)] in adult populations indicates that 8-35% of subjects reported CDS depending on the population studied and the methodology used. Few studies, however, have reported on the prevalence of CDS in periodontal patients. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, severity and distribution of CDS in patients referred for specialist periodontal diagnosis. Fifty-one patients [27 male, 24 female; mean age 48.5 years (standard deviation 11.63)] who gave their informed written consent were clinically evaluated for CDS using recognized methods of assessment, namely Yeaple probe, cold air blast and subjective evaluation. Other clinical variables (e.g. plaque and recession scores) were also recorded at this visit. Regression analysis and correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the clinical variables. The results demonstrated a prevalence of CDS ranging between 72.5 and 98% of patients, with no significant gender difference. Results for the distribution of tooth types showed that molar teeth were mainly affected, followed by left canines and premolars. No correlation was noted between plaque, recession, response to tactile or thermal stimulation. Pain response from tactile and thermal stimulation showed no significant difference between tooth surfaces. Cold stimulation was perceived to be the dominant pain-producing stimulus as had been previously reported. The results of this investigation support those from another study, which found the prevalence of CDS to be higher in periodontal patients than has been reported elsewhere. This finding would suggest that previous periodontal treatment and/or periodontal disease may play a role in the aetiology of CDS.