The limits of tooth pulp evoked potentials for pain quantitation.

Tooth pulp evoked potentials (TPEPs) and subjective evaluation of painful dental stimuli have been recorded in healthy volunteers. The amplitude of TPEPs late components and the subjective rating have been studied in different psychological states, by the expectancy of pain with a placebo and by providing foreknowledge of stimulus timing with self-stimulation. The placebo induced a significant depression of TPEPs and pain sensation. The amplitude of TPEPs evoked by self-delivered stimuli was reduced but the subjective report remained unchanged. These results demonstrate that TPEPs are not a stable correlate of the pain perceived or of the painful input.