Orofacial phantom pain: theory and phenomenology
Article Abstract:
Three types of phantom pain in the oral and facial areas have been identified and are thought to be caused by nerve problems. Phantom tooth pain is a toothache following removal of a tooth or one of its parts. People may be genetically predisposed to experience this type of pain. Stump pain is common among people who wear dentures and involves pain from very light touch to the tooth socket. Phantom bite syndrome involves an inability to adjust one's bite to changes in where one's teeth meet each other. Various theories propose that phantom pain originates in either the brain and spinal cord or in the peripheral nerves that convey messages from a painful region. Phantom pain may be treated with medications that affect the nerve impulses that travel from the mouth to the brain. Evidence suggests that phantom pain is not caused by psychological problems. However, people with such pain may be stigmatized and experience tension with medical professionals and other people.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1996
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Evidence-based care of musculoskeletal facial pain: implications for the clinical science of dentistry
Article Abstract:
Dentists treating patients with musculoskeletal facial pain may need to rely more on epidemiological research and less on observation alone to provide the most effective treatments. Evidence-based care, which relies on clinical epidemiology, requires dentists to keep current their knowledge of dental treatments and scientific advances. Traditional dental treatment for jaw and facial pain involves creating a mouth appliance for the patient to wear; however, research does not defend the mouth appliance as the most effective treatment in reducing jaw pain. Dentists should not mislead patients into thinking they can always treat their jaw pain.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1997
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Patterns of TMJ surgery: evidence of sex differences
Article Abstract:
Women appear much more likely than men to undergo surgery for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) but the reasons for this are unclear. TMD is characterized by pain and tenderness or popping and clicking sounds in the jaw. In a review of 46,293 people who had submitted an insurance claim for TMD treatment, 1,500 women and 166 men had at least one of 10 surgical procedures rather than a non-surgical treatment. Women were almost three times as likely to have surgical treatment as men. Surgical treatment of TMD is very controversial and can cause serious complications.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1997
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