Pseudo-dental pain and sensitivity to percussion

Abstract

Two case reports examine a little-known cause of dental pain and sensitivity to percussion. Contrary to the traditional assumption that pain and sensitivity to percussion almost always are diagnostic of pulpal inflammation and/or necrosis, these symptoms actually may be referred to the sensitive tooth from trigger points in the masticatory muscles. Therefore, myofascial pain syndrome must be ruled out in patients who have dental pain and display sensitivity to percussion.