title: Chronic orofacial pain. A practical approach to differential diagnosis.
abstract: Successful diagnosis of chronic orofacial pain is a difficult task. This article attempted to simplify diagnosis by first classifying the orofacial pain on the basis of clinical characteristics into three basic pain categories: somatic, neurogenous, and psychogenic, and then according to the tissue system affected. An accurate and thorough history is essential, along with a detailed physical examination. In addition, an awareness of the local, systemic, and psychological causes of orofacial pain is necessary. The adage "what you don't know, you don't diagnose" is especially apt in regard to orofacial pain.
authors.affiliation: Center for TMJ Disorders and Orofacial Pain Management, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School, Newark.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Pertes
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Heir
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014098:Toothache / Q000175:diagnosis