Sammanfattning
Considerable progress has been made during the
last decades in the understanding of the processes
involved in facial pain. The complexity and multidimensionality
of pain is increasingly comprehended,
and more insights have been gained into the
risk factors predisposing to chronic pain. In addition,
improved and more reliable diagnostic systems
and approaches have been introduced, and some
advances have been made in the treatment of certain
facial pain entities, such as neuropathic facial
pains. However, many aspects of facial pain are
still poorly understood, and much needs to be done
to validate many of the methods used to treat facial
pain, and to develop new improved, more effective
treatment approaches with fewer side effects.
Science is advancing rapidly in the field of pain,
including facial pain. The special areas of interest
in facial pain research include molecular biology,
biomarkers, imaging, genetics, and pain and psychological
comorbidities, amongst others. It is to
be expected that increased understanding of pain
mechanisms and other aspects of facial pain will in
the future bring some novel therapeutic possibilities.
For our patients a correct treatment is of uttermost
importance. Treatment of chronic pain disorders
have to be based on correct diagnosis and evidence
based treatment modalities. The future will most
probably also witness the rise of personalized pain
medicine, whereby treatments are customized to fit
each patient’s pain and psychosocial, as well as genetic
characteristics. In the light of rapid advances
in the field of pain, much more emphasis should be
put on pain education in the dental curriculums.