Neuropathic oral pain, lacking a definitive cure, typically lasts a lifetime. Case-by-case management options can reduce the pain to varying degrees, but delayed or incorrect diagnosis can worsen the response to treatment. Some new management options, such as gels and supplements, are becoming key players in this developing field. Dentists now play a key role in preventing, detecting, treating and referring them.

1. Recognize trigeminal neuralgia variants, atypical odontalgia, burning mouth disorder, fibromyalgia and more.

2. Learn how to avoid triggering or worsening these conditions.

3. Begin initial treatment for these conditions and understand the long-term management options you’ll refer to.