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Role of Orthopantomogram in Unexplained Earache.
Shrikant Phatak1,2, Richa Agrawal1,2, Sameer Nivsarkar1,2
11Department of ENT & Head and Neck Surgery, Choithram Hospital and Research Centre, Manikbag Road, Indore, MP 452014 India.
Summary
Persistent earache with normal ENT exams may stem from dental issues. Over 70% of evaluated patients had ear pain linked to problems with their last molars, often requiring dental X-rays for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Dentistry
- Pain Management
Background:
- Earache is a frequent complaint in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) consultations.
- Persistent earache with normal ENT examinations presents diagnostic challenges, sometimes leading to psychosomatic attributions.
- Dental status evaluation is frequently overlooked in persistent earache cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between persistent earache and dental issues in patients with normal ENT findings.
- To determine the prevalence of dental anomalies as a cause of unexplained earache.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 93 patients with persistent earache and normal ENT examinations were evaluated.
- Dental status, specifically focusing on last molars (absent, unerupted, or obliquely positioned), was assessed.
- Orthopantomogram (dental X-ray) was used for confirmation.
Main Results:
- In 70 out of 93 patients (approximately 75%), persistent earache was attributed to dental factors.
- Common dental findings included absent, unerupted, or malpositioned upper and lower last molars.
- Orthopantomogram confirmed the dental origin of the earache in these cases.
Conclusions:
- Dental evaluation, particularly of last molars, should be considered in patients with persistent earache and normal ENT examinations.
- Unexplained earache may often have a dental etiology, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary assessment.
- Orthopantomogram is a valuable tool for diagnosing dental causes of referred ear pain.
