Quantification of stimuli.

In llic e\|X-riinenlal selting where |)ain or disccjinfort is elicited, it is imperative that the different types of stimuli used (i.e., chemical, mechanical, ihcrmal, and electrical) be r|uantified a n d olher important (actors be considered: (1) reproducibility of the stimulus, which depends upon its ability to be comjjletcly characterized and exactly measured; and (2) eontrol oi potential modifying fac-tcjrs winch might inlluence the ])ani threshold. T h u s , the stimulus must be measiiiablc. rc-produciblc, and behaviorally predictable. Major M. Ash University ot Michigan School ot Dentistry, Department ot Occlusion. Ann Arbor, Ml. USA