An evaluation of dental pain using Visual Analogue Scales and the McGill Pain Questionnaire

A verbal and a visual scale to assess pain, the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scales, were administered to 50 patients suffering from pulpitis and 50 patients suffering from pericoronitis. The results show that words chosen to describe dental pain of different etiologies include throbbing, sharp, aching, and annoying. Additional descriptive words used by patients with pulpitis, pericoronitis, and postoperative dental pain are sore and shooting and tender. Women who have pulpitis and pericoronitis report higher levels of pain than do men. The greater sensitivity of the scores obtained from the variables, number of words chosen, and pain rating intensity scale not only showed a significant difference between males and females, but also could distinguish between the two dental conditions. The value of the MPQ as a diagnostic tool in cases where it is difficult to elucidate the cause is limited.