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Challenges for the Dentist in Managing Orofacial Pain
Reny de Leeuw1, Diego Fernandez-Vial1
1Division Orofacial Pain, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Kentucky Clinic, Second Floor, Wing C, Room E214, 740 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536-0284, USA.
Abstract:
This presentation describes a patient's extensive and expensive search for relief of pain in the orofacial area. The journey includes many diagnostic errors and failed and likely unnecessary treatments. A systematic approach to problem definition and rule-out reasoning for the differential diagnoses based on the International Classification of Orofacial Pain is described. Conservative treatment was implemented with satisfactory results. Common pitfalls in the management and treatment of complex pain patients are discussed.
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