Alan Law, D.D.S., PhD
Endodontist
The Dental Specialists
Department of Endodontics, University of Minnesota
Nothing to disclose
.jpg "Donald Nixdorf, D.D.S., M.S. photo")
Donald Nixdorf, D.D.S., M.S.
Associate Professor, Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
University of Minnesota
Disclosures: University od Minnesota: Other Financial or Material Support, Salary
Kimberly Lindquist, D.D.S., M.S.D.
endodontist/owner
Northern Endodontic Associates
For endodontists, orofacial pain classification is highly relevant since we frequently encounter acute and chronic tooth pain in our patients and are frequently required to differentially diagnose between pain conditions. In pain research, classification is important because it has the potential to improve the basis for research in diagnostics and treatment. Although the AAE has developed diagnostic terminology for pulpal and apical diagnosis, there is not an agreed upon classification for pulpal and apical pain. An agreed upon classification would provide a common language for clinicians and researchers. A new International Classification for Orofacial Pain Disorders (ICOP) has been developed that includes both acute and chronic pain in the orofacial area. Its purpose is to provide definitions and diagnostic criteria for dental and dentoalveolar pain conditions such as pulpal and periapical pain and disorders as well as other orofacial pain conditions. Input from endodontists on the ICOP is required to develop a clinically useful criteria.