Elongated styloid process syndrome masquerading as pain of dental origin

An elongated styloid process may be a source of craniofacial and cervical pain. This condition is characterized by a dull, nagging, pharyngeal pain and a palpatory finding in the tonsillar fossa. Sometimes the pain is localized, or radiates to the jaw and ear and may simulate pain of dental origin. Radiographic demonstration of styloid elongation is readily made in most instances. The only effective treatment is surgical shortening of the styloid process. Eight patients undergoing surgery for elongated styloids are reported. Six were previously treated under an incorrect diagnosis such as oral, dental or temporomandibular disease, and subsequently mostly inappropriate dental treatments and exodontia were performed. An evaluation of the intraoral versus the external approach is presented. The few and isolated reported cases of stylalgia masquerading as dental pain and the ensuing mistreatment warranted the writing of this paper.