Nonodontogenic Toothache : Case Reports

The most common type of orofacial pain is toothache. However, many other types of pain which derived from nonodontogenic problems can mimic toothache. Nonodontogenic toothache is heterotopic pain that the site of pain is not in the same location of the source of pain. This differs from primary pain, in which the site of pain is the actual site which the pain originates. Heterotopic pain can be alleviated by direct treatment toward the source of pain. The common sources of nonodontogenic toothache include neuropathic pain, sinus pain, Myofascial pain, neurovascular pain and even cardiac pain and psychogenic pain. Thus, clinicians should have a thorough knowledge about causes of nonodontogenic toothache, and through pain history and examination of dental and nondental structures are needed. This case report is about some cases of nonodontogenic toothache, and it also emphasizes essential considerations for proper differential diagnosis and appropriate treatmentope