Dentinal sensitivity: concept and methodology for its objective evaluation

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Dental Diagnostics

Background:

• Dentinal sensitivity presents diagnostic challenges due to pain mimicking other dental conditions.
• Accurate differential diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment of dentinal sensitivity.
• Objective evaluation of dentinal sensitivity is hindered by difficulties in standardization and interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated, global overview of dentinal sensitivity.
• To review protocols for the objective assessment of dentinal sensitivity.
• To emphasize the need for consensus in study design and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical practices regarding dentinal sensitivity.
• Analysis of challenges in standardizing and evaluating dentinal sensitivity.
• Discussion of methodologies focusing on patient response or stimulus nature.

Main Results:

• Dentinal sensitivity requires careful differential diagnosis due to its varied etiology.
• Standardization issues complicate objective evaluation and treatment assessment.
• Consensus on study design is needed to advance understanding and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Standardized assessment protocols are vital for understanding dentinal sensitivity etiology.
• Improved evaluation methods will facilitate the assessment of potential treatments.
• A global consensus on study design will enhance research in dentinal sensitivity.