Multidisciplinary diagnosis and management of orofacial pain

Dentistry has enjoyed a remarkable period of technological and scientific growth over the past several decades. With the increase in life expectancy, the number of individuals seeking dental care also has escalated. One of the most common reasons for seeking care is because of pain and/or dysfunction, usually involving the teeth or periodontal tissues. However, musculoskeletal, vascular, and neuropathic causes of orofacial pain occur frequently. The need to understand pain and all of its ramifications is of utmost importance in diagnosis and case-specific, evidence-based management of conditions afflicting the masticatory system. This article reviews current concepts with regard to the multiple etiologic and/or perpetuating factors now thought to be associated with myogenous and arthrogenous orofacial pain. Important distinctions between acute and chronic pain are discussed. The rationale for consideration of multidisciplinary evaluation and management is highlighted.