[Beware of pitfalls. Problems in the somatization patient]

Somatization is a process that makes that psychological and social problems are experienced physically and presented as a physical complaint. This phenomenon should be considered as a potentially dangerous pitfall for the dentist. Not recognizing the underlying problems may lead of unnecessary and inadequate treatments. The purpose of this article is to provide the dentist with practical guidelines for proper assessment, treatment and referral of this patient category.