Fremitus
Pronunciation: FREM-ih-tus
Palpable or visible tooth vibration detected when a patient taps their teeth together under occlusal load, indicating excessive occlusal contact.
Full Definition
In dentistry, fremitus refers to the tactile vibration felt through the fingertip when placed on the labial surface of a tooth as the patient closes into maximum intercuspation or performs excursive movements. It is a clinical sign of traumatic occlusal loading and is used in periodontal assessment to identify teeth under excessive stress. Fremitus is distinct from tooth mobility; a tooth may exhibit fremitus without measurable mobility. Editors encounter this term primarily in periodontal examination forms and occlusal analysis reports.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'fremitus' interchangeably with 'mobility'; fremitus is a dynamic loading sign assessed during function, whereas mobility is measured as static displacement.
In Context
- "Class I fremitus was detected on the upper left central incisor, suggesting a premature occlusal contact in centric relation." — Periodontal examination record
- "Correction of the fremitus-positive contact resulted in reduced probing depths at the six-week review appointment." — Occlusal adjustment case report