A Case Report of a Patient with Chronic Pain in the Head-Neck-Back Region Ameliorated by Removal of Inappropriate Cast Crown and Bridge Restorations

Abstract

Patient:The patient was a 65-year-old male, suffering from chronic pain in the head-neck-back region. The pain was initiated by placement of bite-raising prosthetic restorations in his lower bilateral molar area at some dental clinic． After removal of the prosthetic restorations, provisional restorations with decreased vertical dimension were inserted. The intercuspal position of the provisional restorations was established at the position with the anterior teeth in contact together on his habitual open-close trajectory. After few month observation of the pain reduction the final prosthetic restorations replaced the provisional restoration. Discussion: During 4-year follow up period, he has not complained any exaggeration of the chronic pain. Thus, the previous prosthetic restorations with increased vertical dimension might induce the symptoms in his head-neck-back region. Conclusion:It was suggested that chronic pain in the head-neck-back region could sometimes be related to iatrogenic malocclusion produced by intraoral prosthetic restorations.