Outcome of treatment of patients with orofacial discomfort complaints

In 113 patients with a wide variation of orofacial and general complaints, which they assumed were caused by galvanic currents and/or metallic restorations, the initial and long-term development (3 years) after treatment was studied. Many treatment procedures were tried; besides information and follow-ups, each patient underwent in average of 6.6 different measures. The often time-consuming treatment was individualized, based on each patient's signs and symptoms. Besides conventional dental treatment, stomatognathic therapy and medical treatment which were frequently needed, metallic constructions were removed in 54% of the patients. The initial outcome of treatment was evaluated as successful both by patients and therapists in about 80%, but half of the patients reported recurrences, more often after removal of metallic constructions than after other dental treatment, while the dentists found recurring clinical signs in only 13% of the patients and without correlation to type of treatment. It is concluded that these patients need a careful oral examination and dental treatment of observed local pathology and defects of dental constructions, but removal of metallic constructions should be avoided when not indicated. Many of these patients will also need medical consultation and treatment, and a collaboration between the dentist and the physician is then recommended.