Chronic-pain management--a timely opportunity

During the past decade, there has been an intense debate among pain management specialists in medicine over the appropriate use of medication. This controversy centers around pain control and appropriate narcotic dosage. Dentistry's role in treating chronic pain has become complex because of differing views on pain management protocols. The dental literature regarding chronic-pain management is limited, and dentistry has only a minimal role in pain management. It is time for dentistry to take a larger role in treating chronic pain. The effective use of medications is only one aspect of chronic-pain management. The success rate for managing intractable pain can be substantially improved if practitioners take advantage of early diagnosis, aggressive physiotherapy, and multiple sympathetic blocks, as well as other blocks and antidepressants. For dentists to take an active role in this arena, they need broader education in treatment regimens. Interdependence with physicians and cross-referral between these two professions may lead to more-favorable outcomes, including improved function and quality of life.