ABSTRACT
An acute pulpalgia and temporomandibular disorders can produce many of the same symptoms. To illustrate identification of an acute pulpalgia as a component in TMD, the authors review the evaluation of 11 patients at a clinic that specializes in TMD treatment. During the evaluation, thermal testing and periodontal ligament anesthesia were used to identify the offending tooth. After receiving endodontic treatment or having the tooth extracted, patients reported either complete or partial relief of TMD symptoms. The authors provide questions that may help practitioners identify a tooth with an acute pulpalgia as a contributing factor to TMD symptoms and suggest a technique to confirm this diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Dental Pulp Diseases/diagnosis , Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome/diagnosis , Toothache/diagnosis , Acute Disease , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Anesthesia, Dental , Dental Pulp Diseases/therapy , Dental Pulp Test , Diagnosis, Differential , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Mandible/physiopathology , Masticatory Muscles/physiopathology , Middle Aged , Periodontal Ligament , Range of Motion, Articular , Root Canal Therapy , Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome/physiopathology , Tooth Extraction , Toothache/therapyABSTRACT
The case of a patient with bilateral preauricular pain and tinnitus is reported. Minimal relief was obtained with traditional temporomandibular disorders therapy, and complete relief was obtained after endodontic therapy. Pulpal conditions that can refer pain are discussed, and recommendations are made to help practitioners identify a possible pulpal etiology for symptoms and tests of temporomandibular disorders.
