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Dental otalgia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 August 2007

D S Kim ,
P Cheang ,
S Dover  and
A B Drake-Lee
D S Kim*
Affiliation:
Department of OtolaryngologyUniversity Hospital Birmingham, Worcestershire Royal Infirmary, UK.
P Cheang
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital BirminghamWorcestershire Royal Infirmary, UK.
S Dover
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Worcestershire Royal Infirmary, UK
A B Drake-Lee
Affiliation:
Department of OtolaryngologyUniversity Hospital Birmingham, Worcestershire Royal Infirmary, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Dae kim, 5 Dowles Close, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 4LE, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Secondary or referred otalgia can represent a diagnostic challenge to the otolaryngologist. Collectively, dental disorders are the most common causes of secondary otalgia presenting to the ENT clinic, and may account for up to 50 per cent of referred otalgia. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome represents the most common dental cause of referred otalgia. Decay and pulpal inflammation of posterior teeth can also frequently present as otalgia. The common embryological developmental origin of both oral and dental structures and the ear is responsible for their overlapping sensory nerve supplies, and this explains referred otalgia secondary to dental and temporomandibular joint disorders. These disorders can be easily overlooked, resulting in unnecessary and costly investigations.

Aims:

This review aims to give a succinct overview of common dental causes of otalgia, and to provide ENT clinicians with guidelines for performing a rapid and simple dental and temporomandibular joint examination, which will reliably diagnose or exclude dental otalgia.

Keywords

EaracheMaxillo-Facial AbnormalitiesMouthTeethReferred Pain
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 12 , December 2007 , pp. 1129 - 1134
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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