Study Examines Brain Response to Pain Relief

Researchers found that the elimination of dental pain corresponded to reduced activity in a small region of the left posterior insular cortex. These results closely mimicked those found in previous studies, which concluded that direct electrical stimulation of this brain region evokes bodily pain sensations. This led the Swiss team to conclude that the posterior insula plays a unique role in nociceptive processing. Further examination of the brain's response to dental pain relief is warranted, with the goal of advancing or developing more effective dental pain management techniques. http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/2015/03_March/Hygiene_Connection/Study_Examines_Brain_Response_to_Pain_Relief.aspx