2014 self-study course course one - college of dentistry ce 1.pdf · in this continuing education...
TRANSCRIPT
self-study course
2014 course one
contact
us
p h o n e
614-292-6737
t o l l f r e e
1-888-476-7678
f a x
614-292-8752
e - m a i l
w e b www.dent.osu.edu/
sterilization
FREQUENTLY asked
QUESTIONS…
Q: Who can earn FREE CE credits?
A: EVERYONE - All dental professionals
in your office may earn free CE
credits. Each person must read the
course materials and submit an
online answer form independently.
Q: What if I did not receive a
confirmation ID?
A: Once you have fully completed your
answer form and click “submit” you
will be directed to a page with a
unique confirmation ID.
Q: Where can I find my SMS number?
A: Your SMS number can be found in
the upper right hand corner of your
monthly reports, or, imprinted on the
back of your test envelopes. The SMS
number is the account number for
your office only, and, is the same for
everyone in the office.
Q: How often are these courses
available?
A: FOUR TIMES PER YEAR (8 CE credits).
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is a
recognized provider for ADA, CERP, and AGD
Fellowship, Mastership and Maintenance credit. ADA
CERP is a service of the American Dental Association
to assist dental professionals in identifying quality
providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP
does not approve or endorse individual courses or
instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit
house by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints
about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or
to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/goto/cerp.
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is
approved by the Ohio State Dental Board as a
permanent sponsor of continuing dental education
Page 1
READ the MATERIALS. Read and
review the course materials.
COMPLETE the TEST. Answer the
eight question test. A total of 6/8
questions must be answered correctly
for credit.
SUBMIT the ANSWER FORM
ONLINE. You MUST submit your
answers ONLINE at:
http://dent.osu.edu/sterilization/ce
RECORD or PRINT THE
CONFIRMATION ID This unique ID is
displayed upon successful submission
of your answer form.
TWO CREDIT HOURS are issued for
successful completion of this self-
study course for the OSDB 2014-2015
biennium totals.
CERTIFICATE of COMPLETION is
used to document your CE credit and
is mailed to your office.
ALLOW 2 WEEKS for processing and
mailing of your certificate.
ABOUT this
COURSE…
ABOUT your
FREE CE…
2014 course one
OROFACIAL PAIN
The purpose of this study is to introduce oral health care professionals to
some of the more common causes of nonodontogenic pain that they can
potentially encounter in their practices. Even if they are unable to definitively
diagnose the condition, they should be able to guide the patient to where
they should seek appropriate care.
written by amber kiyani, dds
edited by rachel a. flad, bs
karen k. daw, mba, cecm
INTRODUCTION
Pain in the orofacial region is a
common symptom of patients
seeking care in dental clinics. In a
majority of patients, the pain is
odontogenic in origin and is
relatively easy to diagnose and
alleviate. Diagnosis and treatment
of nonodontogenic orofacial pain is
more complex, especially when no
clinical and radiographic changes
are identified. Affected patients
have usually seen multiple
specialists and spent a significant
amount of money on imaging and
other studies. Typically, they are in
extreme discomfort and vexed
because no one seems to know
what is wrong with them.
In this continuing education course,
we will discuss the following types of
orofacial pain:
• Temporomandibular Joint
Disorder
• Masticatory Myofascial Pain
• Intra-Articular Derangement
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Trigminal Neuralgia
• Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
• Postherpetic Neuralgia
• Atypical Facial Pain
• Burning Mouth Syndrome
• Benign and Malignant Tumors
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR
JOINT DISORDER
Temporomandibular joint disorder is
a broad term that encompasses any
disorder of the temporomandibular
joint, muscles of mastication, and Page 2
the surrounding bone and soft
tissues. This condition is common,
reported by 40-60% of the adult
population. Pain, limited opening,
clicking and popping noises from
the joint, and difficulty in
mastication are common symptoms.
Temporomandibular joint disorder is
defined as a musculoskeletal,
rheumatological, psychogenic,
neuromuscular, and functional
disorder. There is a lot of controversy
concerning the pathogenesis of the
process. Recent advances in the field
of imaging have allowed for better
understanding of joint function. This
has led most authors to agree that
this is a multifactorial and complex
disorder, rather than just a single
condition.
THEORIES OF PATHOGENESIS
Stress
Continued emotional stress can
cause prolonged contraction of the
facial muscles and the induction of
Source: www.mdguidelines.com
bruxism (grinding), which can frequently trigger
temporomandibular joint pain. This leads to a
series of events that generate an inflammatory
response in the joint that is followed by release of
chemical mediators that exacerbate the pain in
the region. To avoid pain, the affected individual
limits their muscle movements. Extended periods
of reduced muscle activity can result in a decrease
in muscle tone and strength, ultimately restricting
mouth opening.
Trauma
Damage to the ligaments, articular cartilage,
articular disk, and bone may result in the release of
chemical mediators that draw inflammatory cells
to the joint space. These inflammatory cells have
the ability to cause significant damage to the joint
architecture.
Genetic Factors
Genetic marker studies have implicated that
certain genes are involved in the pain
transmission pathway. These genes have the
ability to interfere with pain reception and
processing, that may in turn, result in
hyperalgesia. One of the genes described with this
process is catechol O-methyltransferase, or COMT.
Patients with temporomandibular joint disorders
have been reported to exhibit dysregulation of
this gene, and consequently, a lower threshold of
pain tolerance.
Psychogenic Factors
Cortical brain scans of patients with
temporomandibular joint disorders show striking
similarities to patients with other chronic pain
disorders. Scientists speculate that this suggests a
disturbance in the pain processing mechanism in
the trigeminal ganglion. Patients with muscular
pain disorders rarely have any anatomical
abnormalities. They are considered to be “centrally
sensitized,” meaning that the nerves in the brain
are transmitting faulty pain signals.
Controversial Theories
Some studies state that bruxism, clenching, and
other parafunctional habits are considered to be
detrimental to the joint structure. Similarly, other
studies link fluctuating estrogen levels to the
increased frequency of temporomandibular joint
disorders in females.
Classification of Temporomandibular Joint
Disorders
• Articular Disorders:
• Osteoarthritis
• Trauma
• Infectious Arthritis
• Iatrogenic
• Crystal Arthropathies
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Myogenous Disorders:
• Myofascial Pain
• Acute Muscle Strain
• Muscle Spasm
• Fibromyalgia
• Myotonic Dystrophy
Clinical Features
Temporomandibular joint disorders are usually
seen in individuals between 20 and 40 years of
age. Women are more commonly affected than
men. Unilateral pain is a common presenting
symptom. The pain is commonly paroxysmal,
poorly localized, and usually dull or aching in
nature. It can be elicited by simple contact or
movement of the joint. Radiation of the pain to
the pre-auricular area, ears, periorbital region, or
to the angle of mandible is common and may also
be accompanied by limited jaw opening that can
cause difficulties in eating and talking.
Source: www.mouthhealthy.org
Page 3
Deviation of the jaw towards the affected side
may also be observed. Locking of the jaw may
either occur at a closing position with inability to
open the mouth or at an open position with
inability to close the mouth. Popping, clicking and
grating are common descriptions of the sound
generated by the joint during opening or closing.
The symptoms are usually worse in the morning,
especially in patients with nocturnal
parafunctional habits such as bruxism and
clenching. In more severe cases, headache,
reduced hearing, ringing of the ears, dizziness,
and pressure behind the eye may also be noted.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder is
dependent on a thorough history and clinical
examination. Imaging studies would also be
beneficial and, on occasion, may be necessary.
While obtaining patient history, a detailed
description of the nature of pain with
exacerbating and relieving factors should be
recorded. Information concerning parafunctional
habits such as clenching and grinding of teeth
should also be documented.
Clinical examination allows for detection of joint
noises during opening and closing movements,
measurement of mandibular movements
(including incisal opening), lateral movements
and protrusion, and palpation of the masticatory
muscles. The results of a clinic examination can
rule out odontogenic and other causes of
orofacial pain.
Imaging studies are usually helpful in making a
definitive diagnosis. While panoramic radiographs
and facial views may serve as helpful screening
tools, computed tomography is the gold standard
for bony abnormalities. Advances in the
technology allows for a three-dimensional and
high resolution imaging of the
temporomandibular joint with low radiation
exposures. For soft tissue changes, magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is useful. This technique
allows for muscles, ligaments, and the vascular
structure to be evaluated.
Arthroscopy is the insertion of a small camera
through a minimally invasive incision to directly
visualize the joint. Problems such as synovitis and
perforation can be detected by this technique.
This technique is also employed for curative
purposes.
Temporomandibular joint disorders can be
broadly classified as articular or myogenous
disorders (please refer to the list on Page 3).
Although each disorder has a unique etiology and
management regime, we are only able to discuss
the most common ones in the sections below.
MASTICATORY MYOFASCIAL
PAIN
Myofascial pain disorder can be defined as the
tenderness of the masticatory muscles involved in
jaw closure movements. It is one of the most
common temporomandibular joint disorders and
the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain.
Clinical Features
Myofascial pain is characterized by a unilateral,
dull, aching sensation that varies during the
course of the day. The pain can be elicited
through a trigger point located on the muscle,
fascia, or tendon. The pain does not interfere with
sleeping patterns, but it may be aggravated by
certain types of jaw movements. It may also be
accompanied by tinnitus, dizziness, and pain
radiating to the oral cavity, ear, and neck region.
Muscles are usually stiff and tender on palpation.
Imaging studies exhibit no evidence of anatomic
pathology. Non-invasive management is
sufficient in most cases.
MANAGEMENT
Reassurance
Patients are provided with a detailed description
of the disease process, highlighting the role of
emotional stress and parafunctional habits. This
encourages patients to reduce these elements
from their lives in order to improve their health.
Page 4
Page 5
Rest
Patients are instructed to limit jaw movements
and are discouraged from extreme mechanical
movements such as yawning, laughing, and
clenching. Patients are also advised to refrain from
potential jaw damaging habits such as chewing
gum, nail biting, or pencil chewing.
Heat
Heat application to the affected area is beneficial
in alleviating pain. The heat can be applied using a
heating pad, hot towel, hot water bottle, or
through more advanced techniques such as
ultrasound and short wave diathermy treatments.
Medications
In acute stages of the disease, a 2-week course of
nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs may be
beneficial in alleviating symptoms. Muscle
relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), anxiolytic agents
(diazepam, prazepam, and clonazepam),
anticonvulsants (gabapentin), or opioid analgesics
are usually the next course of action. These drugs
are used sparingly to limit dependency. Tricyclic
antidepressants (nortriptyline and duloxetine) and
some serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine
and paroxetine) have been reported to be
effective in controlling symptoms as well.
Occlusal Adjustments
While limited proof supports the theory that
malocclusion is linked to temporomandibular joint
disorders, it may still be helpful to eliminate
occlusal discrepancies. Bite adjustments and
replacement of missing teeth can restore optimal
occlusion and masticatory function.
Jaw Appliances
These devices are made from acrylic and worn as
orthodontic retainers or removable partial
dentures. They come in a variety of shapes and
forms. These appliances are designed to protect
the masticatory muscles from harmful
movements, such as clenching and bruxism,
during sleep. They also make patients more aware
of their parafunctional habits and encourage them
to stop.
Behavioral Approaches
Relieving stress from life is an important step
towards rehabilitation. For this purpose,
counseling, relaxation techniques, and stress
management have shown some positive results.
Physiotherapy
Massaging, manual manipulation,
ultrasonography, and iontophoresis allow for
retraining of the masticatory muscles and have
proven to be effective in patients with
temporomandibular joint disorders. Numerous
passive motion devices are also available
commercially. These devices serve as the initial
step toward rehabilitation by providing protection
to the traumatized region, reducing pain and
inflammation, and permitting limited jaw
movements.
INTRA-ARTICULAR
DERANGEMENT
Intra-articular disk derangement is a category of
temporomandibular joint disorder that includes
anterior disk displacement, with and without
reduction. Displacement of the
temporomandibular joint disk from its rest
position can result in significant joint dysfunction.
Clinical Features
Anterior disk displacement with reduction
describes the displacement of the disk during
closure; on opening, the disk returns to its original
position with a “popping” sound.
cases, intra-articular injections of steroids may be
beneficial. Surgery is the only option in patients
that are unresponsive to treatment.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease
that causes chronic inflammation of the joints and
surrounding tissues. Most patients with
temporomandibular joint involvement have
complaints of pain, swelling, and limited jaw
movements. In children, temporomandibular joint
involvement may impede the normal growth
process.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a generalized process
involving multiple joints at one time. This usually
helps in establishing diagnosis. In earlier stages of
the disease, no changes in imaging studies are
identified. In later stages, condylar destruction
may be noted. Medical management and
biomechanical alteration of the joint may help in
alleviating symptoms. In non-refractory cases,
surgical intervention becomes necessary.
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
Trigeminal neuralgia is a peripheral neuropathy
characterized by episodes of severe pain in the
facial region originating from the trigeminal nerve.
Pain can be elicited by contact with a trigger zone,
a site usually located on cutaneous skin. It is a
relatively rare condition, affecting about 6 of every
100,000 individuals each year. The disorder
appears at a higher frequency in individuals with
multiple sclerosis.
Pathogenesis
Compression of the trigeminal nerve in pons is
attributed as the potential cause of this condition.
It is postulated that compression causes
demyelination of the nerve (damage to the myelin
sheath) that may result in erratic nerve activity.
Clinical Features
Trigeminal neuralgia usually occurs in individuals
over 40 years of age. Women seem to be affected
Pain is not a frequent finding, especially in the
earlier stages of the process. Deviation of the
mandible towards the affected side is also noted.
The situation may worsen over a period of time
resulting in intermittent locking of the jaw.
Anterior disk displacement without reduction is
characterized by pain, limited jaw opening, and
intermittent locking of the jaw. Locking of the jaw
is the result of the disk acting as a mechanical
obstruction to condylar movement.
Diagnosis
A thorough medical history, complete medical
exam, and imaging studies are required for
establishing diagnosis. MRIs are usually employed
to perform scans in both open and closed
positions of the jaw. Disk displacement can be
visualized with MRI techniques along with the
degenerative changes of the condyle. Arthroscopy
may also prove beneficial at times and it can be
employed for both diagnostic and treatment
purposes.
Management
Anterior disk displacement with reduction is
relatively easier to treat. The condition can usually
be controlled using non-invasive techniques such
as rest, heat application, behavioral modifications,
occlusal appliances, and physiotherapy. In some
instances nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs and
muscle relaxants may be employed.
In patients with anterior disk displacement
without reduction, intra-articular steroid injections
and arthrocentesis may be helpful.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that
may result from trauma, infection, previous joint
surgery, and metabolic disorders. Osteoarthritis of
the jaw tends to affect women between 30 and 40
years of age. Pain, limited mouth opening, and
deviation of the mandible towards the affected
side are some of the common symptoms. The joint
may also produce gritty sounds on movement.
Imaging studies can usually identify the
degenerative changes in the cartilage and bone.
Most patients can be kept comfortable using non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In more severe Page 6
Page 7
more commonly than men. The right side of the
face is more frequently involved. Either of the three
branches of trigeminal nerve may be affected. In
rare instances, more than one branch may be
involved.
Pre-trigeminal neuralgia is a term used to refer to
the dull aching pain that appears before the onset
of pain attacks. It is seen in over 18% of affected
patients. This is the earlier form of the disease that
shows significant response to the use of
carbamazepine.
The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia is
often described as electric shock or lancinating. An
obvious trigger point can be identified in a
significant number of patients. It is most
commonly located on the nasolabial fold, the
vermillion of the lip, periorbital region, or the
midface. The initiation of the pain can be a result of
contact with the site, motions of mastication, and
even exposure to cold wind. The pain may last
from a few seconds to an hour. After the activation
of the trigger zone, the pain cannot be elicited for
a small period of time. This interval is known as the
refractory period. Due to the intensity of the pain,
it is not uncommon for patients to place their
hands over the site. Twitching of the muscles may
be noted during the pain attack. Excessive
lacrimation and an intense headache usually
follows the attack.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on characteristic signs and
symptoms. Imaging studies may help in
identification of the responsible vessel.
Management
In rare cases, spontaneous resolution of the
symptoms has been reported. Topical application
of capsaicin, a product derived from chilies that
has the ability to induce partial numbness, may be
used to alleviate symptoms. Topical therapy
provides limited pain control and systemic
treatment is usually necessary. Carbamazepine is
preferred, however, other anticonvulsants like
phenytoin and gabapentin, may also help with
symptoms. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain
disease and requires medication to be taken on a
long-term basis. Since most of these drugs have
significant side effects, they are frequently not well
tolerated by patients. Surgical intervention is an
option for patients who are either unresponsive to
medical treatment or can no longer tolerate it.
Microvascular decompression, an open surgical
procedure that allows for placement of a barrier
between the offending vessel and the trigeminal
nerve, has shown the most efficacy. Gamma knife
radiosurgery and radiofrequency rhizotomy may
also be used. Local glycerol injections may also
provide a few months of relief in non-refractory
cases.
GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL
NEURALGIA
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a pain disorder
characterized by paroxysmal attacks of severe pain
along the course of the glossopharyngeal nerve
following activation of a trigger zone. This
condition is extremely rare involving less than 1
person per 100,000. In some instances
glossopharyngeal neuralgia may occur in
combination with trigeminal neuralgia or involve
branches of the vagus nerve.
Pathogenesis
Like trigeminal neuralgia, the pain is caused by
compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve by the
ectopic branches of the superior cerebellar artery
in pons. The compression allows for demyelination
of the nerve that in turn impedes the ability of the
glossopharyngeal nerve to inhibit pain signals.
Clinical Features
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is frequently
encountered in patients between the ages of 40
and 60 and shows a female sex predilection.
Common sites of involvement include the ear,
infra-auricular area, tonsil, base of tongue, and the
oropharynx. Trigger zones are usually not located
on cutaneous sites. The pain may be elicited by
swallowing, talking, chewing, or yawning. Once
the trigger zone is activated, the pain attacks can
last anywhere from a few seconds to several
minutes. The pain associated with
glossopharyngeal neuralgia has been described to
be sharp and deep in nature. Even between pain
attacks, a dull sensation in the region may persist.
Page 8
The pain presents more frequently on the left side
and bilateral involvement is rare. Syncope and
seizure disorders may occur alongside pain attacks
when the branches of the vagus nerve are
involved. Clinical features usually assist in
establishing diagnosis. Imaging studies of the
brain can be used to locate the blood vessel
compressing against the nerve.
Management
Topical application with capsaicin is rarely
beneficial. Anticonvulsants are less effective in
controlling pain symptoms in patients with
glossopharyngeal neuralgia in comparison to
those with trigeminal neuralgia. For non-refractory
cases, surgery is treatment of choice. Microvascular
decompression, intracranial and radiofrequency
rhizotomies, and stereotactic radiosurgery are
some of the surgical techniques employed.
POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA
The varicella zoster virus is transmitted through air
droplets and causes chickenpox. This is
characterized by fever, malaise, pharyngitis,
rhinitis, and a rash that eventually evolves into
vesicles. The vesicles heal by crusting and the
infection usually heals within two weeks. Adults
have more severe symptoms than children.
Following the initial infection, the virus moves up
through the nerves into the spinal ganglion and
remains latent until reactivation. In most cases, the
virus may remain latent until the patient is 50 years
of age or older. The reactivated version of the virus
is referred to as herpes zoster. It is responsible for
shingles, the painful eruptions along the course of
a dermatome. Usually only one dermatome is
affected at any time. Most infections resolve
completely within 10 days. For about 15% of the
affected population, chronic pain may persist at
the site of infection. This pain is neural in origin
and is referred to as postherpetic neuralgia. It is
thought to be a result of damage to the nerve by
the virus. The pain is severe in intensity and has
been described as burning, throbbing, aching, or
stabbing. Spontaneous recovery may occur
anytime within a period of 12 months. In rare
cases, the pain may persist for several years.
Diagnosis
History of shingles at the site of pain is necessary
to make the diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia.
Viral cultures or antibody measurements may also
help in confirming diagnosis. MRIs can identify
some lesions associated with the virus in the brain
stem.
Management
Use of antivirals at the onset of infection can help
limit the course of pain. Topical and systemic
analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants
have been reported to show some improvement in
symptoms.
Prevention
A vaccine is now available and is only approved for
individuals over 50 years of age to prevent the
zoster infection.
ATYPICAL FACIAL PAIN
Atypical facial pain is described as persistent
chronic pain of undetermined origin that cannot
be classified as any other cranial nerve neuralgia.
The condition is also referred to as atypical facial
neuralgia, chronic idiopathic facial pain and
psychogenic facial pain.
Pathogenesis
Some studies have linked the pain disorder to a
neuropathic origin, suggesting injury to branches
of the trigeminal nerve as being the etiological
factor.
Shingles on the Face Source: www.cdc.gov
Page 9
Others have linked the disorder to psychological
illness implicating the pain to be psychosomatic in
origin.
Clinical Features
Women between the ages 40 and 60 appear to
develop this condition at a higher frequency than
men in the same age group. The pain is usually
poorly localized, with the maxilla being more
frequently involved. The onset of pain is usually
sudden and most patients link it to a previous
dental treatment. The pain may be localized to a
small region or may affect the entire face. It is
persistent in nature and is described as deep,
diffuse, burning, or sharp in nature.
The pain may vary in intensity over periods of time
and it does not affect sleep patterns of affected
patients. Most studies have linked the condition to
depression and stress disorders. Exacerbation of
pain during periods of stress has also been
reported. The clinical exam is completely
unremarkable and no anomalies are identified in
imaging studies.
Diagnosis
A thorough medical and dental history, along with
both a complete clinical exam and imaging studies,
are usually required. In some patients, a
psychological assessment may also be warranted.
The diagnosis of atypical facial pain is one of
exclusion and is made only when all other potential
causes of pain have been ruled out.
Management
In a small percentage of affected individuals, the
condition may resolve spontaneously.
Psychotherapy is an important component in the
management process. Opioid analgesics and
tricyclic antidepressants are usually used for
treatment purposes. When medical treatment fails
to provide pain control, numbing of the potential
nerve may be achieved through surgical
intervention.
Atypical Odontalgia
Atypical odontalgia is a type of atypical facial pain
that is localized to a small area of the alveolus or
involves an entire quadrant.
The presenting patient will have a long history of
dental procedures including several extractions in
the affected area, all in an attempt to alleviate
pain. Once other nonodontogenic causes of pain
have been excluded, a diagnosis of atypical
odontalgia can be established.
BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME
Burning mouth syndrome is an oral sensory
neuropathy. It is a complex disorder that affects
the sensory nerves transmitting information about
pain, texture, and taste. The name of this condition
may be misleading in some instances, since the
burning sensation is not seen in all cases.
Pathogenesis
The cause of burning mouth syndrome remains
unknown. While there are several theories that try
to explain the process, the most popular one
indicates that the relaying ability of the chorda
tympani nerve is disturbed resulting in pain and
the altered sensations.
Clinical Features
Burning mouth syndrome is usually seen in
postmenopausal women. Only about a third of the
patients that report with this condition are men.
The onset of burning mouth syndrome is rather
sudden. Patients usually link an ongoing event in
their lives with this condition such as stress, a
dental procedure, or initiation of medical
treatment.
Tumors of neural origin, namely, traumatic
neuromas and schwannomas, have also been
reported to cause pain. If obvious expansion is
not identified in the area of concern, imaging
studies may be necessary to identify the lesion.
Once the benign nature of the neoplasm has
been established following biopsy, complete
excision is the preferred course of treatment.
Pain is a frequent feature with several malignant
neoplasms. If no clinical expansion is noted,
imaging studies can be beneficial. A biopsy is
done to identify the type of malignancy. Once the
origin of the neoplasm is known, appropriate care
can be provided.
Complaint of a burning sensation, especially
involving the tongue is frequent. Other common
sites of involvement include the palate and lips.
Pain usually occurs bilaterally and has a waxing and
waning phase. Most patients report a progressive
increase in pain as the day goes on. It does not,
however, disturb sleep patterns. Consumption of
certain forms of food, such as acidic or spicy, may
exacerbate the burning sensation. The pain may
also be accompanied by an altered textural
component or taste sensation. Complaint of
sensations of swelling and roughness, or a feeling
of hypersalivation or xerostomia, are common.
Taste alteration includes a history of a metallic
taste. Occasionally the taste may be described as
salty or bitter.
Diagnosis
A thorough history with clinical evidence of local or
systemic disease is usually sufficient for diagnosis.
A large population of patients have already seen
numerous physicians for this problem and have
been scanned for many possible systemic or neural
disorder.
Management
Unfortunately, there is no cure for nerve disorders.
For most people, just knowledge of the fact that
this is a common benign disorder is enough for
relief. Such news may, however, be devastating for
a small population. While several treatment
modalities have been tried, such as
antidepressants, antipsychotics and some forms of
vitamins, none of these have been proven
scientifically to have any effect on the condition.
Low doses of clonazepam, an anti-seizure
medication, has recently shown some
improvement in the pain component of this
process. The pain is not completely eliminated,
however, but it does become more bearable for
the patient.
BENIGN AND MALIGNANT
TUMORS
Benign neoplasms of the head and neck region
may elicit pain when they grow large enough to
compress against the sensory nerves.
Page 10
Benign Salivary
Gland Neoplasm
Source: www.jcda.ca
ORIGINATING FROM PAKISTAN, DR. KIYANI WENT TO RIPHAH
UNIVERSITY FOR THEIR 5-YEAR DENTAL SCHOOL PROGRAM.
GRADUATING WITH A 4.0 GPA, SHE CAME TO THE OHIO STATE
UNIVERSITY IN ORDER TO FURTHER HER STUDIES FOCUSING ON ORAL
AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY. SHE PLANS TO TAKE THE
INFORMATION SHE LEARNS BACK TO PAKISTAN FOR BOTH
DIAGNOSTIC AND TEACHING PURPOSES.
HER CURRENT RESEARCH STUDIES AS A FELLOW AT OSU
INVOLVE EVALUATING THE ORAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH
GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES.
DR. AMBER KIYANI CAN BE CONTACTED
post-test instructions - answer each question ONLINE
- press “submit”
- record your confirmation id
- deadline is March 21, 2014
d i r e c t o r
john r. kalmar, dmd, phd
a s s i s t a n t d i r e c t o r
karen k. daw, mba, cecm
channel coordinator
rachel a. flad, bs
SUBMIT
ONLINE
SUBMIT
ONLINE
1 T F Temporomandibular joint disorders are
characterized by pain, noises from the joint
and restricted jaw movements.
2 T F Myofascial pain can include tinnitus,
dizziness, and syncope.
3 T F Magnetic resonance imaging plays no role in
diagnosing inter-articular derangement.
4 T F Burning mouth syndrome always presents as
a burning sensation of the tongue.
5 T F Studies have not linked atypical facial pain to
injury to the trigeminal nerve.
6 T F Pain attacks in trigeminal neuralgia can be
elicited by contact with a trigger zone and
are usually located on cutaneous sites.
7 T F
Rheumatoid arthritis with
temporomandibular joint involvement may
impede the normal growth process in
children.
8 T F Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is caused by
nerve damage following an infection with
the varicella zoster virus.
Page 11