Atypical Odontalgia — An Update

ABSTRACT

Atypical odontalgia is a commonly misdiagnosed condition that frequently leads to unnecessary dental treatments such as extraction and endodontic therapy. These treatments often worsen the pain. Despite greater recognition and understanding of this condition, proper diagnosis and treatment remains a challenge. It is believed that atypical odontalgia is a neuropathic condition. This article updates the current understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of atypical odontalgia, and provides appropriate diagnostic and management approaches for this condition.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Seena B. Patel

Seena B. Patel, DMD, MPH, is a resident, Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine Center, University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, in Los Angeles.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.

Audrey L. Boros

Audrey L. Boros, DDS, MSC, is a resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, New York Hospital Queens, Flushing, New York.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.

Satish K.S. Kumar

Satish K.S. Kumar, DDS, MDSC, was formerly an assistant professor of clinical dentistry, Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine Center, Division of Periodontology, Diagnostic Sciences and Dental Hygiene, University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. He presently is a resident in the USC Advanced Periodontology Residency Program and is pursuing his PhD in craniofacial biology at USC.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.