Atypical odontalgia (AO)
Considered by most as a
form of trigeminal neuropathic pain,
atypical odontalgia may in fact have both
psychological and neuropathic origins.
There is limited evidence on the incidence
and prevalence of AO. Clinical features
include persistent pain, often commencing
in conjunction with some form of dental
treatment, particularly root canal therapy
or extraction. In fact, over 80% of patients
relate the onset of their pain to dental
treatment, including local anaesthesia.13
The most common site of pain is the molar
and premolar region. The pain is intra-oral,
well localized and not associated with
radiation to adjacent areas or extra-orally.
Several studies have reported associated
features of hyperaesthesia and allodynia at
the pain site, with a prolonged response to
ethyl chloride.23