Director and Assistant Professorr A.T. Still University–Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health Saint Louis, Missouri
OMS practitioners perform a countless number of dentoalveolar surgeries, including extractions and surgical implant surgery. However, a very small number of patients constantly complain of persistent pain at the site of extraction, implant placement or surgery. These patients keep moving from one surgeon to another to seek a permanent solution to their pain. This session aims to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of neuropathic orofacial pain among OMS colleagues and explore how the education could be imparted in residency training programs. Additionally, the session will highlight appropriate diagnostic testing, management strategies and comprehensive team establishment for a successful management outcome for this unique group of patients suffering from persistent neuropathic pain following routine oral surgery.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
Highlight the importance of listening, investigating and assessing clinical signs and symptoms in the early stages of neural injuries leading to persistent neuropathic orofacial pain.
Discuss various methods of diagnostic testing to rule out several non-odontogenic pain conditions and assess the origin of Neuropathic orofacial Pain (NOP).
Illustrate to participants how to perform those diagnostic methods in an oral surgery office setting. Concurrently discuss how to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical management. Participants at the conclusion will be confident in their diagnostic approach to NOP patient care.
Describe the unique language of such patients who are experiencing orofacial pain situations and be able to refer to other medical and dental providers for expert evaluation. At the end of this presentation, participants should be confident in referring and following up these patients closely.
