Atypical (deafferentation) odontalgia

Abstract

The difficulty of clinical interpretation of atypical (deafferentation) odontalgia with respect to its connection, on the one hand, with endodontic interventions in the dentoalveolar region, and on the other hand, with psychogenic and personality disorders, remains a subject of discussion. We examined 93 patients with deafferentation odontalgia to clarify the psychological factors and quality of life parameters that affect this chronic pain syndrome. Most patients were women (79.6%) of working age (40–50 years old). The visual analog scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were used to rate pain intensity, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale was used to evaluate the negative psychoemotional response to pain. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Rating Scale, while the Spielberg Scale was used to evaluate the level of reactive and personal anxiety. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36. It was shown that depression, anxiety, affective disorders, negative psychoemotional response to pain, and low quality of life were more often present in patients with chronic deafferentation odontalgia.