CHRONIC DENTAL PAIN

Pain that persists beyond the normal expected period for wound healing, in the absence of infection or delayed wound healing, may be the result of one of the following:

• Traumatic neuroma
• Causalgia (phantom tooth pain)
• Non-dental sources
• Psychogenic

Assessment

See Toothache to exclude acute causes

• Determine response of pain to dental anaesthesia and simple analgesics (avoid opiates)

Follow-up

• Refer to oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Dr George Chu BDSc MBBS
Ed: Dr. Derek Louey MBBS FACEM