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Atypical odontalgia - pathophysiology and clinical management
1Department of Clinical Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark. lbhansen@odont.au.dk
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|January 15, 2008
Summary
Atypical odontalgia (AO), a chronic dental pain with no clear cause, is best explained as a neuropathic pain condition. Management focuses on interdisciplinary care, avoiding invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Atypical odontalgia (AO) presents as chronic dental pain without identifiable pathology.
- Existing hypotheses suggest psychogenic, vascular, neuropathic, or idiopathic origins for AO.
Observation:
- This review critically examines scientific evidence for proposed AO pathophysiologies.
- Differential diagnoses including odontogenic pain, sinusitis, and trigeminal neuralgia are discussed.
Findings:
- The most scientifically supported hypothesis posits AO as a neuropathic pain condition.
- Evidence for various management strategies is reviewed, highlighting scarce scientific support.
Implications:
- A proposed treatment algorithm emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach: patient education, psychological support, topical/systemic medications.
- Avoidance of invasive treatments like surgery and endodontics is crucial for managing atypical odontalgia.
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