Neuropathic Orofacial Pain

Abstract

Dental practitioners will be exposed to patients experiencing neuropathic pain of the orofacial region at some point in their careers. The pain can be distressing and affect quality of life. Therefore, an understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of neuropathic orofacial pain is essential since some patients will convincingly express this pain to be originating from a dental source. Neuropathic pain may be episodic such as trigeminal neuralgias, or continuous, which includes peripheral painful trigeminal traumatic neuropathy, persistent idiopathic facial pain, neuritis, and burning mouth syndrome. Research has revealed that these various neuropathic pains often have specific treatment modalities. Hence, establishing an accurate diagnosis and understanding the pathophysiology of the disorders are critical in the management of pain as these will avoid the initiation of unnecessary dental interventions.