The use of pain scales in scientific studies on dentin hypersensitivity: A scoping study

Objective

This scoping review aimed to identify the pain scales used to clinically evaluate dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in existing literature and the references provided for their selection.

Methods

The scoping review followed the PRISMA and JBI guidelines. An electronic search of the literature was conducted across Web of Science, PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and CINAHL. Eligible studies included adult participants with DH who were assessed using pain scales. After screening, data were extracted and synthesised to identify the most commonly used pain scales and the theoretical and methodological justification for their use.

Results

Seventy-one studies were included in the review, and most of them were randomised studies (randomised clinical studies + RCTs = 81.7%). The visual analog scale (VAS) was the most frequently used pain measurement, followed by the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity scale (SCASS). Use of both scales together was also identified as a common practice. There were inconsistencies in the references provided as the rationale for the use of the pain measurement tools.

Conclusions

VAS and SCASS are unidimensional scales that are used in DH research without an adequate theoretical understanding of the condition and methodological considerations. More research needs to be conducted on the methodological suitability of the pain scales and the conceptual understanding of pain management in DH.