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Abstract

Ten dentists and ten controls have been studied as regards vibration perception thresholds (PT) and temporary threshold shift (TTS) which normally appears after a short period of fatigue stimulation. PT has been studied within the frequency range 40–400 Hz and TTS for 100 and 250 Hz. For both groups tested perception between left and right hand has been compared. All dentists and all controls, except one, were right-handed. The dentists had in opposition to the controls, been exposed professionally to local vibration with high frequencies (>1000 Hz) from ultra high speed handpieces used in modern dental work.

For dentists a reduction of vibration perception could be shown for the right hand. For controls no differencies in vibration perception between hands could be shown. This result supports the suspicion that vibration with high frequencies (>1000 Hz) has a negative influence on human tissues and structures of tissues.

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Effects of Local Vibration on Tactile Perception in the Hands of Dentists

Abstract

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References