Pain Assessment in Oral Medicine through Its Different Dimensions: A Comprehensive Review

Epidemiological and Oral Public Health Aspects of Dental Pain: A Narrative Review

The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize and discuss existing evidence on the epidemiological aspects of dental pain, addressing its prevalence, risk factors, population distribution, impact on the quality of life, and implications for public health. Dental pain is a common condition that involves complex mechanisms of pain transmission and perception. Dental pain can be due to various causes, such as caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, dental trauma, and soft tissue conditions (e.g., stomatitis). In addition, psychological and social factors influence pain perception and severity, such as anxiety and previous negative experiences. The global burden of dental pain is considerable, generating a significant impact on the quality of life of people at individual and collective levels. This impact manifests itself in a reduction in productivity, due to absenteeism from work and school, as well as difficulties in performing daily tasks. In addition, dental pain entails high costs for health systems, including expenses associated with diagnosis, treatment, and the care of complications arising from the lack of timely care. These costs also include indirect expenses associated with the loss of productivity and impacts on the general well-being of the population. The magnitude of these effects, both at individual and population levels, underlines the importance of prevention and access to timely and effective treatment of dental pain. The prevalence of dental pain varies by region and factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and access to services. Risk factors include sociodemographic (age, gender, and ethnicity), socioeconomic (income, education, and occupation), psychological (anxiety and depression), and behavioral (oral hygiene and diet) dimensions. People with lower socioeconomic and educational status are more likely to suffer from dental pain due to a lack of access to services and inadequate preventive practices. Dental pain negatively affects the quality of life, disrupting daily functions and causing emotional distress. Public health proposes improving access to preventive dental care, oral health education, and equitable policies to reduce disparities. Strategies aimed at reducing the burden of dental pain at the population level include expanding access to dental care, promoting healthy habits, and ameliorating the significance of care costs as a barrier. Future research should focus on innovative assessment methods, expanding the accessibility to various levels of care, and understanding the biopsychosocial determinants of dental pain to develop effective interventions.

Painful Realities: Navigating the Complexities of Head and Neck Cancer Pain

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatments can cause significant pain, which can profoundly impact patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. Understanding the full scope of HNC pain is essential for effective management and improved patient care.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to comprehensively analyze the multifaceted nature of pain experienced by individuals with HNC, including its various etiologies and management strategies.

RESULTS

HNC pain can arise from tumor extent, treatment-related toxicity, or comorbid conditions. The pathophysiology involves complex interactions between nociceptive, neuropathic, and inflammatory mechanisms. Optimal pain control requires a multimodal patient-tailored approach utilizing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies.

CONCLUSION

Enhancing our understanding of HNC pain and optimizing its management is imperative for improving the overall well-being and treatment outcomes of affected individuals. Future research should focus on understanding detailed pain mechanisms, with the goal of developing personalized pain management strategies and exploring novel therapeutic targets. By implementing comprehensive approaches to HNC pain management, healthcare providers can better support patients through their cancer treatment journey.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation for Disk Displacement of the Temporomandibular Joint-A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Dislocations of articular disk can occur as a result of parafunctions in the Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ), which limits the opening of the mandible and other movements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients with disk displacement of the TMJ. A total of 327 subjects with Temporo Mandibular Disorders underwent stomathognatic physiotherapy. (2) Methods: Based on the results obtained by a manual functional analysis, 35 patients who were identified with articular disk locking (disk displacement without reduction) were included in the study. The study group (N = 35) was subjected to passive repositioning of the articular disk, reposition splints, and physiotherapy. The patient's TMJs were then examined before the therapy, immediately after the therapy, and during the follow-up visit 3-6 weeks after the therapy. The Diagnostic Criteria for the Most Common Intra-articular Temporomandibular Disorders was used to evaluate the effects of rehabilitation on the patients' range of motions and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). For the statistical analysis, Pearson's r correlation coefficient test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used. (3) Results: The results showed a significant improvement in the range of motion of the mandible movements. The level of improvement was dependent on the time from the incident until undergoing rehabilitation. (4) Conclusions: The stomatognathic physiotherapy applied increased the range of motion of the mandible and reduced pain levels to the expected range.