Chronic orofacial pain is relatively common.  Approximately 7–12% of the general population report such symptoms, which concomitantly occur with other somatic symptoms that cannot be adequately explained by known organic pathology.

Despite the diversity of chronic pain treatments, the overall efficacy of treatment is disappointing, with an average pain reduction of approximately 30% in half of treated patients. Note that pain reduction does not always result in improved physical and emotional functioning nor enhanced quality of life.

Treatment priorities should emphasize optimal symptom relief, with most patients requiring individualized therapeutic regimens based on multidisciplinary combinations of treatment modalities to achieve clinically acceptable outcomes. Emerging trends in the diagnosis and management of orofacial pain will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:  At completion of this presentation, participants should be able to:

1. Capture a relevant pain history using best practices

2. Manage pain history to craft an individualized, structured interview

3. Develop a differential diagnosis

4. Deploy reversible and conservative therapies in orofacial pain management