Assessing qualitative changes in simulated periodontal ligament and alveolar bone using a non-contact electromagnetic vibration device.

The objective of this study is to investigate the ability of a non-contact electromagnetic vibration device to assess a simulated periodontal ligament and alveolar bone conditions in experimental tooth models by applying mechanical parameters (resonant frequency, elastic modulus, and coefficient of viscosity). The non-contact electromagnetic vibration device was made up of three components: vibrator, detector, and analyzer. The experimental tooth model consisted of a cylindrical rod made of polyacetal, a tissue conditioner for soft lining material, and urethane or urethane foam to simulate the tooth, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, respectively. The tissue conditioner was prepared by mixing various volumes of liquid with powder. Periotest values (PTVs) were also measured under the same conditions as those of the non-contact electromagnetic vibration device. All of the mechanical parameters derived from the non-contact electromagnetic vibration device significantly decreased as the proportion of liquid increased. Values for the three parameters of the urethane models were significantly larger than those of the urethane foam models. In contrast, PTVs increased significantly as the proportion of liquid increased; however, no significant difference was observed between the urethane and urethane foam models. The non-contact electromagnetic vibration device may be capable of evaluating not only periodontal ligament conditions but also bone quality. Mechanical parameters may be useful for assessing qualitative changes in the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.