Considerations in the diagnosis of orofacial pain and headache

Orofacial pain disorders involve conditions which are associated with painful anatomical structures of the hard and soft tissues of the head, face, neck and all of the intraoral structures. Accurate diagnosis of orofacial pain in a health care practice or facility is mandatory for effective and successful treatment. Diagnosis of orofacial pain, however, can be difficult and confusing due to the myriad of structures involved, pain referral patterns, and the lack of objectifyable diagnostic tools as an aid in diagnosis. The intent of this paper is to provide a very generalized guideline to assist the practitioner in the diagnosis of orofacial pain involving the head and neck.