Abstract
Nowadays, people are increasingly faced with the problem of tooth loss. Therefore, the demand for wearing removable dentures has increased. Determining the sensitivity of the oral cavity for safe and painless use of dentures plays a significant role in this issue. Traditional methods for evaluating oral mucosa pain sensitivity, such as subjective patient feedback and manual palpation, lack accuracy and reproducibility, leading to inconsistencies in prosthesis adaptation. This study presents the development of a digital esthesiometer, a novel device designed to objectively measure pain sensitivity in different areas of the oral mucosa using pressure sensors, microcontrollers, and a real-time data display. The esthesiometer enables the standardization of pain threshold assessments, eliminating human error and improving diagnostic precision. Experimental results demonstrate that pain sensitivity varies significantly depending on anatomical location, patient age, and systemic conditions such as diabetes, which affects pain perception. The proposed device provides a quantitative and reproducible assessment method, offering valuable data for the customization of denture bases and soft linings. By integrating this technology into dental practice, clinicians can optimize prosthetic adaptation, enhance patient comfort, and minimize post-prosthetic complications. Future research will focus on further refinement of the esthesiometer, expanding clinical trials, and developing advanced machine-learning-based pain threshold prediction models for more personalized treatment approaches.