Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41914056›Full record

ArticleJournal of oral & facial pain and headache2026

Unnecessary dental extractions in patients with Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain: a qualitative and questionnaire-based study of patient perspectives.

Dror Shir, Iftah Biran, Rakefet Zalashik, Amnon Mosek

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of oral & facial pain and headache, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Dror Shir *Cognitive Neurology Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6423906 Tel Aviv, Israel.
Iftah Biran *Division of Psychiatry, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6423906 Tel Aviv, Israel.
Rakefet ZalashikSchool of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501 Beer Sheva, Israel.
Amnon MosekHeadache and Facial Pain Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6423906 Tel Aviv, Israel.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThis study aimed to explore the perspectives of individuals with Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP) who sought dental extractions for pain relief and to identify common themes from their experiences. PIFP significantly impacts the quality of life, leading many patients to undergo unnecessary dental procedures on healthy teeth for pain relief. Recognizing unique characteristics in patients with a history of such interventions could help prevent unnecessary treatments and associated complications.

methodsWe conducted qualitative research at the Headache Clinic, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, involving 12 consecutive patients with PIFP who had undergone dental extractions. Data were collected through medical records, interviews, and questionnaires. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative research guidelines, with a focus on descriptive, linguistic, and conceptual comments.

resultsTwelve participants aged 28-83 were included in the study. Data analysis revealed three main themes: (1) physical metaphors ("like an exposed nerve"), (2) emotional and cognitive reactions to pain ("life had stopped"), and (3) encounters with the medical establishment ("not just injustice, it's medical negligence"). Physical metaphors included additional somatization, symbolic penetration, facial pain analogous to emotional pain or a traumatic event, and pain as a silencer. Emotional and cognitive reactions included catastrophic reactions, incomprehensibility, loss of agency, and disconnection from emotional pain. Finally, encounters with the medical establishment included complex interactions with medical figures, as well as confusion and perplexity with the medical system.

conclusionsThis qualitative study offers insights into the subjective experiences of PIFP patients. The identified themes highlight shared challenges and the multifaceted nature of PIFP, underscoring the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches.

Indexed as

Facial PainTooth ExtractionAdultAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchQuality of LifeSurveys and QuestionnairesChronic painPersistent Idiopathic Facial PainQualitative researchSomatization

Identifiers

PMID41914056
PMCPMC13036610

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