Sensory Examination and Pharmacological Modulation of Oral Hyperexcitability in Patients With Atypical Odontalgia and Matched Healthy Controls

This project examines experimental pain and chronic pain in the mouth, specifically the condition called atypical odontalgia (AO:atypical toothpain). In 16 patients with AO and 16 healthy persons, capsaicin (chili-pepper) is applied to the gingiva to cause pain. This pain is evaluated by the participants. In three sessions, 3 different medications are tested for effect on the pain. The medications are fentanyl, S-ketamine and placebo-treatment (saline). The aim is to know more about pain mechanisms in AO in order to develop an effective treatment.