When a Houston endodontist tells a patient that they have fremitus, generally, their first reaction is to wonder what it means. For people who are in this category there are a few things to understand about this dental issue.
What is Fremitus?
The first thing you should know is that fremitus means a vibration that can be felt. This is generally done when the teeth come into contact with each other. There are generally three ways that this is known to occur:
This could come from the teeth coming into contact with a surface that drives the jaw forward.
It could be the result of the envelope of function for the tooth being disrupted in some way.
There is not enough support for the front teeth which causes the back teeth to have room to move.
Checking this is as easy as tapping on the front of the tooth to check for vibration or movement. This is generally done in both a reclining position as well as upright to get the best diagnosis. It is not something that is painful to be feared. However, it is something that needs to be checked.
The Importance of Checking for Fremitus
It is important to look for the existence of fremitus because it is an indication of occlusal trauma which means that there is instability in the tooth. This means the teeth have the ability to move around in the mouth, which is not good. There are treatments that can lead to occlusal stability, which will solve the issue with the teeth. Along with this it can also cause the teeth to have more mobility than they should, cause excessive wear on the teeth and can cause them to shift from their normal location in the mouth.
For those dealing with fremitus, treatment is not something to put off. It can cause a number of issues which is why it is best to see a dentist to help you with this. At our office we offer gentle care where we ensure the comfort and safety of our patients. We will answer your questions and provide the highest quality dental care.