Abstract
A 50-year-old woman complained of pain in the left upper lateral incisor apex. A broken reamer and abnormal shadow in the apex of her lateral incisor was recognized roentgenologically.
The pain in the root apex subsided soon after apicoectomy. In spite of a subsequent favorable course, she complained of a violent headache and left facial pain 10 days after the operation, but for no known cause. Suspecting a mental disorder, we referred herfor psychiatric treatment during which she made gradual recovery from depressive psychosis as a result of medication and brief psychotherapy.
It is neceesary to consider a holistic medical approach based on a good doctor-patient relationship for the examination and treatment of psychosomatic patients whith oral problems. Psychiatric consultation is necessary for patients with psychosomatic symptoms.
