Recent advances in orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders

The field of orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (OFP/TMD) is a relatively new area of clinical and scientific interest that parallels the expanding interest in pain conditions in the back and other areas of the body. This new field is concerned with the understanding and care of patients with disorders that cause pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system and related orofacial, head, and neck structures. Because orofacial structures are integrally involved in communication, sustenance, sexuality, appearance, and self esteem, the personal impact of these disorders can be high, motivating patients to seek care and be a significant part of the clinical practice of dentistry and medicine. As a result of recent developments in research, education, and patient care in the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in helping patients with these disorders. These efforts can provide an example of what can be done with other pain disorders to advance efforts in research, teaching, and patient care. The purpose of this paper is to review these recent advances in OFP/TMD and their implications for patient care.