Evaluation of algesimetric parameters on the basis of tooth pulp stimulation in humans.

Investigations concerning the validity and sensitivity of algesimetric parameters were performed on 23 healthy volunteers on the basis of electrical tooth pulp stimulation. Bipolar tooth pulp stimulation has been proved to be superior to monopolar stimulation in respect to the reproducibility of threshold of sensation. Verbal numerical scale (VNS) was found to discriminate better between stimulus intensities than visual analogue scale in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility. The long-term reproducibility of subjective pain rating by VNS was surprisingly high. The evaluation of the amplitude of the somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP) was performed by two methods. Calculation on the basis of the N(2), P(1), and P(2) signal gives a more sensitive connection to stimulus intensity. The VNS was found to be more sensitive than SEP in differentiating stimulus intensities.