Neuropathic pain: Diagnosis and treatment from the dental clinic to the multidisciplinary pain clinic

An understanding of the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management of the various neuropathic orofacial pain conditions is particularly important for dental practitioners, as these conditions may present as, and are frequently misdiagnosed as being of dental origin. This may lead to inappropriate, invasive, irreversible, and potentially pain aggravating dental treatment. A consistent approach to assessment and management of neuropathic pain is essential to better understand the burden of this disease and determine, through research, whether or not management strategies are effective. Importantly, this consistency provides a common language for health practitioners, patients, researchers, funding bodies, policy makers and other groups involved directly or indirectly in pain management.