Fremitus
Pronunciation: FREM-i-tus
A palpable or visible vibration of a tooth during occlusal contact, indicating abnormal force transmission through the periodontal ligament.
Full Definition
Fremitus is detected clinically by placing a finger on the labial or buccal surfaces of the teeth while the patient taps or grinds their teeth in centric and eccentric positions. A positive fremitus finding suggests that the tooth is receiving lateral or excessive occlusal forces, which may contribute to secondary occlusal trauma in a periodontally compromised patient. It is graded on a scale (Class I: faintly palpable; Class II: easily palpable; Class III: visible to the naked eye) and should be recorded at baseline and re-evaluated after periodontal treatment. Editors should not confuse fremitus with mobility, which is measured passively; fremitus is a dynamic assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Fremitus must not be used as a synonym for tooth mobility. The two are distinct clinical assessments and should be recorded separately in periodontal charts.
In Context
- "Class II fremitus was noted on tooth 21 upon centric occlusion, prompting an occlusal adjustment." — Periodontal examination note
- "Unlike mobility, fremitus is assessed under dynamic loading conditions and should be recorded accordingly." — Clinical periodontology textbook