[Suggestion for a classification of odontalgias].
BACKGROUND
Toothache prevalence in the overall population is considerable. However, for clinical purposes, the classification schemes available do not appear to be sufficiently sophisticated. Moreover, not all known forms of dental pain are considered. A refined classification that meets current standards is therefore introduced. To facilitate diagnosis, the characteristic features of the various types of odontalgia are summarized.


RESULTS
The new classification differentiates among seven different origins of pain: 1. dentinal pain (originating from the pulpal tissues), 2. pulpal pain (originating from the pulpal tissues), 3. periodontal pain, 4. alveolar-osseous pain, 5. atypical odontalgia, 6. heterotopic dental pain, 7. odontalgia associated with primary psychosocial factors.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, the proposed classification differentiates among the different forms of odontalgia more precisely than all previous ones. However, its viability and advantages over other available classification schemes still need to be verified in daily practice.
Türp
J C
JC
Klinik für Rekonstruktive Zahnmedizin und Myoarthropathien, Universitätskliniken für Zahnmedizin, Universität Basel, Hebelstr. 3, 4056 Basel, Schweiz. jens.tuerp@unibas.ch
Hugger
A
A
Löst
C
C
Nilges
P
P
Schindler
H J
HJ
Staehle
H J
HJ
D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D020390:Tooth Socket; D014098:Toothache / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology