Neuroimaging of tooth pain and oral discomfort: Application to diagnosis and treatment

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  • ONO Yumie
    School of Science and Technology, Meiji University

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  • 歯痛と口腔違和感の脳機能イメージング・診断・治療

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Abstract

<p>Recent advances in brain imaging techniques enable clinicians and researchers to objectively evaluate emotional valence related to pain and discomfort, which could be potentially applicable to diagnosis and cognitive therapy. This paper reviews basic neuroscience research on brain activity related to various oral stimuli such as acute splint treatment and renewal of full dentures. The use of portable functional brain imaging equipment to classify patients with occlusal discomfort syndrome (occlusal dysesthesia) at the chairside is an emerging trend in clinical settings. Finally, the concept of neurofeedback therapy is introduced. Neurofeedback is a novel application of functional brain imaging, in which an individual is encouraged to self-regulate specific cortical activity while observing his/her own brain activity pattern. Although the clinical application of neurofeedback in dentistry has yet to be reported, it has the potential to modify the cognitive state of patients and ameliorate chronic oral pain and discomfort.</p>

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