A 6-year clinical assessment of electronic facial thermography.

Objective: To report the findings a 6-year clinical application of ET on patients with orofacial pain.

Methods: ET was conducted (in a blinded manner) using an Agema 870 unit at 0.1 degree C thermal accuracy.

Thermographic assessment of neuropathic facial pain.

Ongoing pain, intermittent sharp pain, or intermittent dull aching pain around the teeth can evoke the suspicion of tooth pathology. However, when no dental cause can be found clinically or radiographically, the differential diagnosis involving neuropathic pain and pulpal pathology is still a challenge. Neuropathic facial pains are still too often misdiagnosed as tooth pain of dental origin, resulting in unnecessary dental extraction or endodontic therapy.

Is atypical odontalgia a psychological problem?

Several authors have asserted that psychological factors are the underlying cause of atypical odontalgia. However, objective evidence is lacking to support this claim. In this study, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was used to assess psychological functioning of an atypical odontalgia population.