Journal of maxillofacial surgery
-
An elongated styloid process may be a source of craniofacial and cervical pain. This condition is characterized by a dull, nagging, pharyngeal pain and a palpatory finding in the tonsillar fossa. Sometimes the pain is localized, or radiates to the jaw and ear and may simulate pain of dental origin. ⋯ Six were previously treated under an incorrect diagnosis such as oral, dental or temporomandibular disease, and subsequently mostly inappropriate dental treatments and exodontia were performed. An evaluation of the intraoral versus the external approach is presented. The few and isolated reported cases of stylalgia masquerading as dental pain and the ensuing mistreatment warranted the writing of this paper.