Occlusal examination in the diagnosis of orofacial pain and urgent treatment by occlusal adjustment.
A 35-year-old female patient, referred by a specialist, who reported unsuccessful endodontic treatment in the preparation of the buccal canals of tooth 16, about 2 years ago. The patient complained of diffuse pain in the upper right region, with no positive results on percussion and palpation tests and normal thermal tests on vital teeth.
The CT scan did not reveal any periapical hypodense image on the partially treated roots, nor any inflammation of the sinus membrane.
The occlusogram revealed greater occlusal load, especially on the right first molars.
Occlusal adjustment was then carried out and the patient reported that her symptoms had disappeared.
DENTAL EMERGENCIES ASSOCIATED WITH PULP AND/ OR PERIAPICAL ORIGIN PAIN: A LITERATURE REVIEW
DENTAL EMERGENCY ASSOCIATED WITH PULP AND/ OR PERIAPICAL ORIGIN PAIN: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Cassol et al. Rev Fac Odontol Univ Fed Bahia 2021; 51(2): 69-81
The main reason for patients seeking emergency dental care in public services and colleges is the presence of pain. Pain that originates in the teeth is a symptom that can be referred to or extended to other structures. The accuracy with which the patient describes the pain depends on the extent of the inflammatory process. If the inflammation is contained in the pulp, the patient will characterize the pain by its intensity and durability. However, if the inflammation reaches the periodontal ligament, it will be easier for the patient to determine the origin of the pain, since this structure contains proprioceptive sensory fibers.
The most common outpatient dental emergencies are associated with dental pain, with or without infection, and mainly affect adults aged between 20 and 74. These emergencies are generally inconclusive and require further treatment in 71.8% of cases. It is clear that if subsequent treatment is not carried out, a new emergency condition may develop5 . The high demand for emergency care is due to the population's difficulty in accessing health services. As urgent care is a priority, patients who are unable to access the service for routine treatment end up seeking this care as a gateway to have their oral health problem solved, even if it doesn't fit the conceptual standards of urgency.
Thus, those who complain of pain are more likely to be seen than those who do not. Pain relief, dento-alveolar infections and trauma are the main demands on dental emergency services Oral health care is not always prioritized by patients, especially due to the lack of access to
basic health services. Therefore, emergency services should be made a priority in the country's oral health programs
.
It is therefore essential that professionals are informed about epidemiological aspects and the best therapeutic approach to pulp and periodontal pathologies, promoting prevention and facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases. The aim of this study is to review the relevant literature on the epidemiology and treatment of dental emergencies associated with pain of pulpal and/or periapical origin.
Occlusogram in the diagnosis of orofacial pain
