Pain-Pressure Threshold in Human Gingivae

The pain-pressure threshold in human tissues such as muscles may be affected by the anatomic location of the recording site and the rate of applied pressure. However, it is uncertain how these variables affect the pain-pressure threshold in healthy oral tissues. In 10 subjects, a custom-made algometer was used to apply pressure at a constant rate to 12 sites on the attached gingivae apical to teeth 11 to 16 and 41 to 46. The pain-pressure threshold was measured at three different rates of applied pressure at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. The pain-pressure threshold was consistently higher at maxillary recording sites. There were, however, no differences in the pain-pressure threshold at different recording sites along the tooth row in the maxilla or mandible. The pain-pressure threshold measurements were consistent between recording sessions. The pain-pressure threshold was affected by the rate of pressure application and appeared to increase linearly with increasing rate. This suggests that the pain-pressure threshold may be measured consistently in attached human gingivae. When measurement of deep sensation in the oral mucosa is planned, the location of the recording site and the rate of applied pressure should be verified.