Patient-perceived features and clinical characteristics of tooth pain : A comparison between apical periodontitis and persistent dento-alveolar pain disorder (PDAP) – preliminary results

• Background: Differential diagnosis between tooth pain of inflammatory and neuropathic origin is crucial since treatment strategies differ. Aim: Evaluate and compare self-reported and clinically observed pain characteristics in patients with SAP (symptomatic apical periodontitis) and PDAP (persistent dento-alveolar pain disorder). Methodology: Patients diagnosed with SAP and PDAP were recruited from Malmö University and Folktandvården Östergötland. Data collection included clinical examination and questionnaire (tooth pain characteristics, verbal pain description [short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire; SF-MPQ], factors affecting the pain). Results: Data from 24 patients with SAP and 20 with PDAP (24 females, mean age 53 years) were analyzed. Average pain intensity was 4.4 (0–10 numeric rating scale) and average duration 1527 days. 64% reported continuous and 27% recurrent pain. 58% of teeth were tender to percussion and 66% to apical palpation. 27% reported concurrent pain from jaw muscles/joints. Significant differences were found for gender (% females; PDAP>SAP;p=0.013), pain duration (PDAP>SAP;p<0.0001), pain frequency (PDAP>SAP;p<0.001), percussion tenderness (SAP>PDAP;p=0.012), muscle/joint pain (PDAP>SAP;p=0.021). SF-MPQ and affecting factors did not differ (p=0.096–1.000). Conclusion: Preliminary results indicate that pain intensity, pain description and factors affecting the pain are similar for SAP and PDAP. Female gender, long pain duration, high pain frequency, and concurrent muscle/joint pain presented more frequently in PDAP.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)