Phantom tooth pain: a diagnosis of exclusion

This case report addresses the difficult diagnosis of phantom tooth pain (PTP). This is a syndrome of persistent pain in the teeth and oral structures following pulp extirpation, extraction, or rarely, an inferior alveolar nerve block. The incidence of this often misdiagnosed condition is estimated to be 3% of the population undergoing pulp extirpation, and is similar to phantom limb pain. The diagnosis of PTP is discussed here as a diagnosis of exclusion, after numerous interventions. Various treatment modalities are outlined and the use of non-traditional pharmacological approaches for pain reduction are discussed.