Brazilian Journal of Pain
https://brjp.org.br/article/doi/10.5935/2595-0118.20190067
Brazilian Journal of Pain
Review Article

Atypical odontalgia: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

Odontalgia atípica: fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento

André Hayato Saguchi; Ângela Toshie Araki Yamamoto; Cristiane de Almeida Baldini Cardoso; Adriana de Oliveira Lira Ortega

http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/2595-0118.20190067 BrJP, vol.2, n4, p.368-373, 2019
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atypical odontalgia, a subtype of persistent idiopathic facial pain, is characterized by continuous pain in one tooth or more, or inside the alveolus after exodontia, with no apparent clinical causes. These patients run the risk of going through unnecessary dental/surgical procedures which would worsen their pain. Since the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of atypical odontalgia are not clear, this article aims to present an integrative literature review about these aspects.

CONTENTS: A review of articles related to the topic was conducted on the Pubmed database using the keywords “atypical odontalgia” OR “phantom tooth pain” OR “idiopathic tooth pain” OR “odontalgia” OR “odontalgias” OR “atypical toothache”. Applying the inclusion criteria (publications in the last ten years, in English, as clinical trials, multicenter studies, case reports, reviews, integrative and systematic reviews, 114 articles were found, and 39 were selected after the application of the exclusion criteria (articles with no relation to the topic).

CONCLUSION: Although studies suggest the involvement of strong neuropathic mechanism, the psychological/psychiatric aspects might be considered not as a primary cause, but as an aggravator of the patient´s pain. Knowledge of other pathologies is recommended in order to determine the differential diagnosis. Also, complementary image tests, qualitative somatosensorial test, and reference to an orofacial pain specialist should be considered. In case of uncertain diagnosis, it is recommended to avoid any dental procedures because the pain can get worse.

Keywords

Atypical odontalgia, Endodontic, Odontalgia

Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A odontalgia atípica, um subtipo da dor facial idiopática persistente, se caracteriza por dor contínua em um ou mais dentes, ou no alvéolo, após exodontia sem qualquer causa aparente e é um desafio para o dentista. O desconhecimento por parte do profissional pode levar a procedimentos odontológicos desnecessários e mutiladores, piorando e/ou cronificando a dor do paciente. Diante desse panorama, o objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar informações referentes à fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da odontalgia atípica através de uma revisão integrativa da literatura.

CONTEÚDO: A busca na base de dados Pubmed foi realizada com os termos: “atypical odontalgia” OR “phantom tooth pain” OR “idiopathic tooth pain” OR “odontalgia” OR “odontalgias” OR “atypical toothache”. Aplicando-se critérios de inclusão (publicações nos últimos 10 anos, de língua inglesa, tipo ensaio clínico, estudo multicêntrico, relato de caso, revisão, revisão integrativa científica e sistemática) foram encontrados 114 artigos, dos quais 39 foram selecionados após aplicação do critério de exclusão (trabalhos sem relação com o tema).

CONCLUSÃO: Embora os estudos apontem forte envolvimento de mecanismos neuropáticos, aspectos psicogênicos/psiquiátricos devem ser levados em consideração como agravante do estado de dor do paciente. Sugere-se conhecimento sobre as outras doenças existentes para se realizar um diagnóstico diferencial, exames complementares de imagem, realização do teste somatossensorial qualitativo, encaminhamento a um especialista em dor orofacial e neurologista, e em casos de dúvida, não realizar nenhum procedimento a fim de não piorar a sua dor.

Palavras-chave

Endodontia, Odontalgia, Odontalgia atípica

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Submitted date:
03/04/2019

Accepted date:
05/24/2019

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