Qualitative Mechanoperception of Natural Teeth and Endosseous Implants

The responses of 100 patients to load on Tübingen ceramic implants and natural teeth were analyzed to learn about the facets of qualitative mechanoperception. This approach revealed four factors of mechanoperception: dullness, intensity, localization, and persistence. Dullness, localization, and persistence were discriminated between teeth and implants. Intensity perception, however, depended on load only. Keywords: endosseous implants, qualitative mechanoperception