title: Differential diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders and other orofacial pain disorders.
abstract: There are many types of pain conditions that are felt in the orofacial structures. Most of the conditions treated by the dentist are associated with the teeth, periodontal structures, and associated mucosal tissues. This article focuses on the differential diagnosis of other common pain conditions the dentist will likely face, such as temporomandibular disorders, neuropathic pain disorders, and common headaches; and the clinical presentation of each. Controlling or reducing pain can be accomplished by controlling perpetuating factors such as parafunctional habits and by some simple behavioral modifications. Finally, this article offers some simple treatment considerations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Health Science, Division of Orofacial Pain, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0297, USA. okeson@uky.edu
authors.forename: Jeffrey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Okeson
authors.forename: Reny
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Leeuw
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000175:diagnosis*