Effects on general pain perception and dental pulp sensibility in probable sleep bruxism subjects by experimentally induced pain in a pilot study

Abstract

In this pilot study, the general pain perception and the dental pulp sensibility of probable sleep bruxism (SB) subjects were compared with that of non-SB subjects. The cold pressor test (CPT), electric pulp test (EPT), and thermal pulp test with CO₂ snow were executed by one trained dentist (blind to SB diagnosis). A one-factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with SB diagnosis as independent variable and standardized measures regarding pain perception and evaluation was performed. One-hundred-and-five participants (53 SB and 52 non-SB subjects) were included. The one-factorial MANOVA revealed a significant difference between SB and non-SB subjects (p = 0.01) concerning pain perception variables. Post-hoc univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant lower general pain tolerance (p = 0.02), higher general subjective sensibility of the teeth (p < 0.01), and a statistical trend for higher subjective dental pain intensity (p = 0.07) in SB subjects. In most of the standardized variables, probable SB subjects seem to react and feel similar to non-SB subjects. However, as probable SB subjects subjectively perceive their teeth to be more sensitive and tend to rate their subjective dental pain intensity more intensely after CO₂ testing, data might point to a somatosensory amplification.

Figure 1

Flow-chart of the sample composition.

Figure 2

Circulating water bath system for the cold pressor test with immersed right hand. The water temperature was a constant 5 °C throughout the basin.

Figure 3

Application of the electrode tip onto the buccal test tooth surface using fluoride gel as conduction medium.

Figure 4

Application of a CO₂ snow stick onto the buccal surface of the test tooth.