The Role of Maxillary Nerve Neuromodulation in Managing Chronic Odontogenic Neuralgia: A Longitudinal Study

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66715/jsccr/2026v3.i2.1622 | Original Research | 2026 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 | Page 16-22

1. Dr. Vidharti Tiwari, Associate professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College, Indore

2. Dr. Snigdha Sharma, PG student, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, People's Dental Academy, Bhopal

3. Dr. Utkarsh Tiwari, Professor and HOD, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Mansarovar Dental College, Bhopal.

4. Dr. Aishwarya Singh, Professor, Department of Dentistry, Government Medical College

   Seoni - 480661

Corresponding Author:-

The Role of Maxillary Nerve Neuromodulation in Managing Chronic Odontogenic Neuralgia_ A L.

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Dr. Aishwarya Singh

Professor

Department of Dentistry

Government Medical College

Seoni - 480661

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Odontogenic Neuralgia (CON) remains a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic entity, often persisting after technically successful dental interventions. When conservative management and traditional nerve blocks fail, Maxillary Nerve Neuromodulation emerges as a promising intervention. This study evaluates the long-term efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and chemical neuromodulation of the maxillary nerve in providing sustained symptomatic relief for refractory CON.

Methodology: A longitudinal study was conducted over 24 months, involving 40 patients diagnosed with chronic, non-paroxysmal odontogenic pain localized to the maxillary division. Participants underwent targeted neuromodulation of the maxillary nerve via the pterygopalatine fossa approach. Primary outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI). Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-intervention.

Results: At the 6-month follow-up, 78% of patients reported a significant reduction in pain (50\% reduction in VAS scores). Longitudinal analysis at 24 months demonstrated sustained efficacy in 65% of the cohort, with a significant decrease in reliance on systemic anticonvulsants and antidepressants (p < 0.001). Improvement in quality-of-life scores showed a strong inverse correlation with pain chronicity.

Conclusion: Maxillary nerve neuromodulation is an effective, minimally invasive longitudinal solution for chronic odontogenic neuralgia. By targeting the maxillary nerve at its trunk, this approach provides a superior alternative to repetitive peripheral blocks, offering long-term stability for patients suffering from persistent neuropathic dental pain.