Pain in the Face or Pain in the Pulp? Let's Stop Guessing!

Thursday, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Classroom:  Solana F&G

How to Screen for and Prevent Unnecessary Endodontic Treatments and Extractions of Teeth with Pain of Non-Odontogenic Origin.

Course Objectives: By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:
1. Differentiate between odontogenic and non-odontogenic sources of orofacial pain
- Identify key clinical features that distinguish pulpal/periapical pain from musculoskeletal, neuropathic, and referred pain patterns.
2. Recognize red flags and clinical clues that signal a non-dental origin of pain
- Understand when persistent symptoms may not respond to traditional endodontic therapy and what that implies diagnostically.
3. Apply evidence-based screening tools to avoid misdiagnosis
- Learn practical chairside strategies and diagnostic steps to reduce unnecessary endodontic procedures and tooth extractions.
4. Understand the scope and role of the Orofacial Pain Specialist
- Clarify when and how to refer for specialized pain evaluation and how collaboration improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
5. Evaluate interdisciplinary case studies involving complex orofacial pain presentations
- Review real-world cases where endodontic and orofacial pain teams worked together (or failed to), and what can be learned.
6. Enhance patient outcomes by building referral networks and communication protocols
- Explore ways to streamline interdisciplinary care and reduce delays in appropriate treatment.