non-odontogenic pain Flashcards
3 classifications of dental pain.
- Pulpal
- Periodontal
- Gingival
Location of the trigeminal nucleus?
In the pons of the brainstem.
Describe pulpal pain.
- Spontaneous and poorly localised.
- Referred to adjacent teeth.
- Localises when periapical tissues are involved.
What value of current does REVERSIBLE PULPITIS respond to?
Lower currents than normal.
What reason would there be for a tooth to be TTP?
When the periodontal ligament is involved.
If a single tooth is TTP, what potential diagnosis could be given?
- Apical periodontitis/abscess.
- Perio-endo lesion.
- Overhanging filling.
- Loss of support.
- Cracked tooth.
- Bifurcation Lesion.
- Small Cyst.
- Pericorinitis (inflammation of the operculum gingival flap during eruption).
If multiple teeth are TTP, what diagnosis could be given?
- Bruxism
- Migraine
- Sinusitis
- Generalised advanced periodontitis
- Large cyst
What type of pain is pulpal pain?
Visceral (dull ache stemming from internal organs)
- vague, poorly localised, characterised by hypersensitivity *
What type of pain is periodontal pain?
Somatic pain (deeper pain coming from the skeletal structure, tendons and muscles).
- aching, cramping or gnawing pain *
Explain the hydrodynamic theory of pain.
The fluid tubules is subject to expansion and contraction.
This exerts force on the nerve cells.
What is the mechanism of action of potassium in a desensitising agent?
Potassium ions diffuse along dentinal tubules and DECREASE EXCITABILITY of intradental nerves by ALTERING THEIR MEMBRANE POTENTIAL.
Describe the mechanism of action of strontium in a desensitising agent.
Strontium has an occlusive action on the dentinal tubules therefore, preventing pain.
What is the mechanism of action of calcium phosphate in a desensitising agent?
Reduces the sensitivity of dentine by occluding the dentinal tubules and reducing the permeability of dentine.
What type of pain is mucosal pain?
Somatic
What are the 6 characteristics of mucosal pain?
- Superficial in the mucous membrane.
- Sharp pain.
- Faithful response to stimuli.
- Site and source of pain are the same.
- Easily localised.
- Topical LA temporarily arrests pain.
