Phantom Tooth Pain

Abstract

Phantom tooth pain (PTP) is a phenomenon of persistent pain in teeth. Neither endodontic therapy, apicoectomy, nor extraction of the offending teeth renders the region free of pain. A hypothesis that PTP is another example of the more familiar phantom limb phenomenon is presented, along with case reports. Two central nervous system mechanisms, central biasing and pattern generating, best explain the phenomenon at this time. A method of treatment with a theoretical basis consistent with the aformentioned mechanisms is described. The essential feature of this method is a change of sensory input. Of importance is the avoidance of conventional treatments that permanently alter sensory input. Phantom tooth pain (PTP) is a phenomenon of persistent pain in teeth. Neither endodontic therapy, apicoectomy, nor extraction of the offending teeth renders the region free of pain. A hypothesis that PTP is another example of the more familiar phantom limb phenomenon is presented, along with case reports. Two central nervous system mechanisms, central biasing and pattern generating, best explain the phenomenon at this time. A method of treatment with a theoretical basis consistent with the aformentioned mechanisms is described. The essential feature of this method is a change of sensory input. Of importance is the avoidance of conventional treatments that permanently alter sensory input.