OPAP Event Photos

Orofacial Pain is the emerging dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis and management of pain and dysfunction of the motor and sensory aspects of the trigeminal nerve system. Previously this area of practice was referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs); however, current evidence indicates that many patients have signs and symptoms outside of the masticatory system that directly affect their orofacial pain complaints. Orofacial Pain practitioners routinely deal with patients whose head, neck, shoulder or systemic conditions masquerade as facial pain. The modern practice of Orofacial Pain requires a distinctly unique blend of knowledge and skills in order to deal with a patient population that frequently "falls between the cracks" of traditional dental and medical practices.