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Pain in oral galvanism
Göran Hampf1, Anita Ekholm, Tomi Salo
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Helsinki, HelsinkiFinland Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, HelsinkiFinland National Public Health Institute, HelsinkiFinland.
Pain
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Patients with oral galvanism showed poorer mental health and lower intraoral sensitivity compared to controls. No differences in dental electrical currents or allergies were found, suggesting a psychic component to symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oral medicine
- Psychosomatic medicine
- Dental materials science
Background:
- Oral galvanism, characterized by symptoms attributed to electrical currents from dissimilar dental metals, remains poorly understood.
- Previous research lacks comprehensive evaluation of psychological and sensory factors alongside objective dental measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical, sensory, and psychological profiles of patients with presumed oral galvanism.
- To compare objective dental parameters (electrical currents, potential) between patients and a control group.
- To explore potential contributing factors such as allergies, oral candidiasis, and mercury exposure.
Main Methods:
- Controlled study involving 38 patients with oral galvanism symptoms and a matched control group.
- Assessment of mental health status and intraoral sensory thresholds.
- Measurement of electrical currents, potential, and energy capacity in dental metallic restorations.
- Analysis of allergy prevalence, oral Candida infection, and mercury exposure via hair analysis.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited significantly higher levels of mental disturbance and lower intraoral sensitivity thresholds than controls.
- No statistically significant differences were observed in electrical currents, potential, or energy capacity of dental restorations between groups.
- Prevalence of allergies and oral Candida infections did not differ from the general population; mercury exposure was ruled out.
Conclusions:
- Psychological factors and altered sensory perception appear more significant than measurable electrical phenomena in oral galvanism.
- The findings suggest a psychosomatic component contributing to the discomfort experienced by patients.
- Further research into the interplay of psychological state and oral sensitivity is warranted to understand oral galvanism mechanisms.