Central mechanisms of orofacial pain

Dent Clin North Am. 2007 Jan;51(1):45-59, v. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2006.09.010.

Abstract

The orofacial pain clinician must understand the difference between peripheral and central mechanisms of pain. Particularly, one has to understand the process of central sensitization as it relates to the various orofacial pain conditions to understand orofacial pain. Understanding leads to more effective treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Facial Pain / classification
  • Facial Pain / complications
  • Facial Pain / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated / physiology
  • Nociceptors / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord / physiology
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / complications
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / physiopathology*