Restor Dent Endod.  2012 Aug;37(3):170-174. 10.5395/rde.2012.37.3.170.

Diagnostic challenges of nonodontogenic toothache

• Park HO
• Ha JH
• Jin MU
• Kim YK
• Kim SK

• KMID: 1995658
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2012.37.3.170

Abstract

The objective of this article was to present two nonodontogenic conditions that may mimic odontogenic toothache: trigeminal neuralgia and burning mouth syndrome. Two cases are presented in which one is related to the upper left second premolar and the other is related to the upper left first molar. Both showed pain when chewing. These two cases highlight the complexities involved in diagnosing nonodontogenic toothache. This article demonstrates the importance of having a thorough knowledge of both odontogenic and nonodontogenic toothache, as well as the need for careful evaluation of the nature of the pain and history, clinical and radiographic examinations.

Keyword

Burning mouth syndrome; Diagnosis; Nonodontogenic toothache; Odontogenic toothache; Trigeminal neuralgia

MeSH Terms

Bicuspid
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Hydrazines
Mastication
Molar
Toothache
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Hydrazines

Figure

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  Figure 1 (a) Periapical radiography of tooth #15 at initial presentation; (b) Determination of working length on tooth #15.

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  Figure 2 (a) Radiographic image showing distal caries of tooth #45; (b) Tooth is restored with composite resin.

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  Figure 3 (a) Periapical radiography of tooth #26 at initial presentation; (b) Completion of root canal retreatment; (c) 9-month follow-up radiography; (d) 10-month follow-up radiography.

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