Tooth Mobility Assessment: Concepts and Evolution

Tooth mobility is an important part of complete periodontal examination and helps not only in arriving at a diagnosis but also guides the treatment plan. Tooth mobility can be either physiological or pathological. Several etiological factors have been identified for pathologic tooth mobility and thorough knowledge of these help in determining the treatment to be provided. Over the years several methods and instruments have been employed for correct measurement of mobility. These include bulky devices to latest techniques such as laser and ‘Periotest’. Apart from determining the degree of mobility, its management remains a perplexing problem. Splinting the mobile teeth to achieve load distribution enhances the longevity of teeth. This review aims to enhance the existing knowledge of tooth mobility and its applications in clinical set up.