Clinical diagnosis and management of persistent idiopathic dentoalveolar pain: A narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Persistent idiopathic dentoalveolar pain (PIDP) is a type of chronic pain that affects the teeth and surrounding tissue, and it is a condition that has been puzzling dental practitioners for many years. Aim: To clarify some misconceptions about persistent idiopathic dentoalveolar pain and provides insight into its possible diagnoses. Methods: The electronic literature search was conducted between June 2003 and December 2022 in PubMed and Google Scholar using Mesh terms: pain, idiopathic pain, phantom pain, and dentoalveolar pain in the English language. Later, relevant articles were screened and read thoroughly. Results: After reviewing the various articles, it was found that PIDP is a disease of exclusion that is confined to the dentoalveolar region with profound, dull, and pressure-like sensations. Discussion: Most of the research on PIDP has centered on its occurrence rates, symptoms, and ways to treat it, as well as the possible causes behind it. Various studies have also investigated different forms of treatment, such as medication, nerve blocks, and psychological interventions, in an effort to manage PIDP.