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VOLUME 8 , ISSUE 3 ( March, 2007 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Diagnosis and Treatment of Atypical Odontalgia: A Review of the Literature and Two Case Reports

Marcello Melis, Simona Secci

Citation Information : Melis M, Secci S. Diagnosis and Treatment of Atypical Odontalgia: A Review of the Literature and Two Case Reports. J Contemp Dent Pract 2007; 8 (3):81-89.

DOI: 10.5005/jcdp-8-3-81

License: CC BY-NC 3.0

Published Online: 01-07-2008

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2007; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim

This report presents two cases diagnosed with atypical odontalgia (AO) and successfully treated with amitriptyline as well providing a review of the current literature on the subject.

Results

The literature indicates the most important issue is an accurate differential diagnosis to distinguish between AO, pulpal pain, myofascial pain, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Conclusion

Once the correct diagnosis is made the prognosis of AO is usually fair and the administration of tricyclic antidepressants often resolves symptoms. An effort should be made to avoid any unnecessary dental treatment that would only aggravate the problem.

Citation

Melis M, Secci S. Diagnosis and Treatment of Atypical Odontalgia: A Review of the Literature and Two Case Reports. J Contemp Dent Pract 2007 March;(8)3:081-089.

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