Accuracy of Localization of Pulpal Pain on Cold Stimulation

¹ Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BTI2 6BP, Northern Ireland

The accuracy of localization of pulpal pain was determined on cold stimulation of upper and lower anterior teeth, both without and with the use of occlusal splints to reduce the possibility of simultaneous stimulation of the periodontal receptors. The results indicated that it is difficult to localize pulpal pain and that pain can be referred across the midline as well as between the mandible and the maxilla. Moreover, the ability of the subjects to identify the stimulated tooth varied according to whether the tooth was a central incisor, lateral incisor, or canine and also whether it was in the upper or lower jaw. It was also found that the reaction time to cold stimulation was significantly longer when the tests were performed with the occlusal splints rather than without them.