Toothache and pain from orofacial region

Abstract

Abstract : This paper reviews the recent concept of pain mechanisms in the orofacial region including the tooth. Acute pain is considered to be a warning signal to us and an excellent defense system, whereas chronic pain does not have any physiological advantages for painful patients. Aδ- and C-fibers conduct pain signals to the central nervous system, and dentinal pain is conducted by Aδ-fibers and pulpal pain by C-fibers in the tooth. Deep pain, referred pain, and the disfunction of pain sensory system are also important to understand pain. Current idea of dentin hypersensitivity and the relationship between tooth pain and inflammation are introduced here. We need to understand both peripheral and central pain mechanisms for the control of pain. Pain from temporomandibular disfunction, trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain, and cancer are also described in this paper along with the mechanisms of intractable orofacial pain. Through knowledge on pain is necessary for diagnosis and treatment in the dental clinic.