Pharmacological Management of Orofacial Pain

Published:26 August 2023Drugs

(2023)AbstractOrofacial
pain is a category of complex disorders, including musculoskeletal,
neuropathic and neurovascular disorders, that greatly affect the quality
of life of the patient. These disorders are within the fields of
dentistry and medicine and management can be challenging, requiring a
referral to an orofacial pain specialist, essential for adequate
evaluation, diagnosis, and care. Management is specific to the diagnosis
and a treatment plan is developed with diverse pharmacological and
non-pharmacological modalities. The pharmacological management of
orofacial pain encompasses a vast array of medication classes and
approaches. This includes anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants,
anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and anesthetics. In addition, as
adjunct therapy, different injections can be integrated into the
management plan depending on the diagnosis and needs. These include
trigger point injections, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injections, and
neurotoxin injections with botulinum toxin and nerve blocks.
Multidisciplinary management is key for optimal care. New and safer
therapeutic targets exclusively for the management of orofacial pain
disorders are needed to offer better care for this patient population. 

Source: Dental Technology Blog - September 8, 2023 Category: Dentistry Source Type: news