Introduction: Consensus Conference Subcommittee 2 was charged with the identification and definition of all diagnostic terms for pulpal health and disease states by using a systematic review of the literature.
Methods: Eight databases were searched, and numerous widely recognized endodontic texts were consulted. For each reference the level of evidence was determined, and the findings were summarized by members of the subcommittee. Highest levels of evidence were always included when available. Areas of inquiry included quantification of pulpal pain, the designation of conditions that can be identified in the dental pulp, diagnostic terms that can best represent pulpal health and disease, and metrics used to arrive at such designations.
Results and conclusions: On the basis of the findings of this inquiry, specific diagnostic terms for pulpal health and disease are suggested. In addition, numerous areas for further study were identified.