Dental pulp pain: diagnostic implications

Unlike other organs and tissues in human body, teeth display a distinctive and particular nociceptive mechanism. This has lead researchers during the last three decades to further investigate neurophysiology and pathophysiology of dental pulp pain. Clinically, the type of dental pain should reflect the condition of tooth pulp. Adequate and successful dental treatment requires that the source of pain be detected and understood, however variability of pain experienced by patients may be confusing for patients and misleading for dentists. This review addresses dental pain experienced by patients, it helps dental clinicians to better understand dental pain conditions and establish an accurate diagnosis.