XXXX : a review of the literature.

@entity1 @entity4513 @entity158 @entity9852 @entity130
OBJECTIVE: To review previous reports of cases of @entity4513 to examine its epidemiological and clinical characteristics and to explore the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease. BACKGROUND: @entity4513 is one of many @entity158 conditions that affect the oral cavity and is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis. METHODS: A search of the literature was performed for all cases of @entity4513 reported from 1966 to the present. RESULTS: The typical clinical presentation of @entity4513 that has been reported involves @entity158 in a tooth in the absence of any sign of pathology; the @entity158 may spread to areas of the face, neck, and shoulder. The existing literature suggests that this condition occurs in 3% to 6% of the @entity1 who undergo endodontic treatment, with high female preponderance and a concentration of cases in the fourth decade of life. Deafferentation seems to be the most likely mechanism to initiate the @entity158 , but psychological factors, alteration of neural mechanisms, and even an idiopathic mechanism have been implicated. Not all reported cases were preceded by @entity130 to the teeth or gums. The treatment of choice is a tricyclic antidepressant, alone or in combination with a @entity9852 . The outcome is usually fair, with many @entity1 obtaining complete relief from @entity158 . Especially in the absence of overt pathology, particular attention should be paid to avoiding any unnecessary and potentially dangerous dental intervention on the teeth. CONCLUSION: @entity4513 is surprisingly common, of uncertain origin, and potentially treatable.
