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Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment
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Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 8948

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yaron Haviv

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
Interests: orofacial pain; dental sleep medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over 39 million American adults suffer from chronic orofacial pain (OFP). OFP involves the head, face, and oral cavity and is associated with significant morbidity and high levels of healthcare utilization. OFP can be divided into three major categories:

(i) temporomandibular disorder (TMD) originating from the temporomandibular joint and/or from the masticatory muscles;

(ii) neuropathic pain that can originate from the central nervous system, such as trigeminal neuralgia, or the peripheral nervous system pain, mainly painful posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathies and other types such as post-herpetic neuralgia and burning mouth syndrome (BMS);

(iii) neurovascular orofacial pain, such as migraines and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (cluster headache, paroxysmal and continual hemicrania, SUNA, etc.).

OFP and headache can arise from multiple structures in the head and face areas. The variety of structures in the specific area, their proximity to each other, and the way they can cause various types of pain represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Dr. Yaron Haviv
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • orofacial pain
  • temporomandibular disorder
  • neuropathic pain
  • trigeminal neuralgia
  • migraine
  • headache

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 166 KiB  
Editorial
Orofacial Pain, Diagnosis and Treatment
by Yaron Haviv
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11026; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122111026 - 31 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1824
Abstract
I am pleased to introduce this Special Issue on “Orofacial pain, diagnosis and treatment” [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

15 pages, 4120 KiB  
Article
Correlations Between Mandibular Kinematics and Electromyography During the Masticatory Cycle: An Observational Study by Digital Analysis
by Alessandro Nota, Laura Pittari, Francesco Manfredi Monticciolo, Alessia Claudia Lannes and Simona Tecco
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9996; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219996 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 516
Abstract
The analysis of the masticatory cycle plays a fundamental role in studying the functions of the stomatognathic system and evaluating temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD). The primary objective of this study is to investigate the complex interplay between mandibular kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG) activity [...] Read more.
The analysis of the masticatory cycle plays a fundamental role in studying the functions of the stomatognathic system and evaluating temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD). The primary objective of this study is to investigate the complex interplay between mandibular kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG) activity during the masticatory cycle using advanced 4D dentistry technology in 22 healthy subjects (without TMD). By employing electromyography, it becomes feasible to capture the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles throughout the chewing process. The BTS TMJOINT (© 2023 BTS Bioengineering, Garbagnate Milanese, MI, Italy) electromyograph was utilized in this study. Mandibular tracking, on the other hand, allows for recording the movements of the mandible during chewing and condylar slopes. This latest technology (ModJaw®, Tech in motion™, Villeurbanne, France) utilizes motion sensors placed on the jaw to accurately track three-dimensional movements, including jaw opening, closing, and lateral movements. Nowadays, in clinical gnathology, it is common practice to examine masticatory function by analyzing mandibular kinematics and muscle contraction as distinct entities. Similarly, the results obtained from these analyses are typically assessed independently. The investigation of a correlation between electromyography data and mandibular kinematics during the masticatory cycle could provide several advantages for clinicians in diagnosis and lead to a combined analysis of muscle activities and intraarticular dynamics. In conclusion, it can be inferred from the results obtained in the present study that the chewing cycle with a greater vertical movement results in increased masseter muscular activity, and condylar slopes are positively correlated to an increase in temporalis muscle activation. This comprehensive approach can provide valuable insights into the relationship between muscle activity and mandibular movement, enabling clinicians to gain a deeper understanding of the functional dynamics of the stomatognathic system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment)
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12 pages, 1585 KiB  
Article
Fibromyalgia and Orofacial Health: Administration of a Dental Disease Assessment Questionnaire
by Francesco Puleio, Giorgio Lo Giudice, Alessandro Molica Colella, Maria Grazia Cannarozzo, Riccardo Polosa, Angela Alibrandi and Roberto Lo Giudice
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6908; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166908 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Aim: This study examines the prevalence and severity of orofacial disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The research assesses the correlation with the Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS) index. The goal is to improve the clinical approaches to these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional [...] Read more.
Aim: This study examines the prevalence and severity of orofacial disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The research assesses the correlation with the Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS) index. The goal is to improve the clinical approaches to these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire focused on the correlation between FMS and orofacial problems. The research involved 107 rheumatology patients diagnosed with FMS. Statistical analyses, including Spearman’s correlation, were utilized to investigate the relationships between the FAS index scores and various orofacial symptoms. Results: Of the participants, 11.2% responded that they were aware of the correlation between fibromyalgia and oral health. The statistical analysis showed statistically significant correlations between the FAS index and symptoms such as gum bleeding, teeth grinding during the day, and neck pain (p < 0.05). The correlation between the FAS index and joint noise upon opening the mouth, as well as dissatisfaction with one’s smile, also proved to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The outcomes demonstrate that, as the FAS index increases, the likelihood of developing orofacial disorders also increases among FMS patients. This highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment)
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11 pages, 668 KiB  
Article
Muscle Pain Sensitivity and Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients with Narcolepsy with Cataplexy: A Controlled Cohort Study
by Maria Lavinia Bartolucci, Serena Incerti Parenti, Fabio Pizza, Alessandro Maglioni, Stefano Vandi, Francesco Bortolotti, Giuseppe Plazzi and Giulio Alessandri-Bonetti
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 6917; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13126917 - 7 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1417
Abstract
Disturbed nocturnal sleep contributes to the central sensitization of pain, thus predisposing to orofacial pain. Central disorders of hypersomnolence are characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) not linked to impairment of nocturnal sleep or misaligned circadian rhythms. The main disorder of this group [...] Read more.
Disturbed nocturnal sleep contributes to the central sensitization of pain, thus predisposing to orofacial pain. Central disorders of hypersomnolence are characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) not linked to impairment of nocturnal sleep or misaligned circadian rhythms. The main disorder of this group is narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), which seems to be related to alterations in pain perception mediation, supposedly caused by low orexin levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pain sensitivity and the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients with NT1. After a 3-day hospital evaluation with laboratory polysomnography, 39 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with NT1 and 39 matched heathy controls were evaluated by means of Axis I and Axis II of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol. Furthermore, pain sensitivity was investigated by measuring the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) on the head–neck muscles by means of a Fischer algometer. No significant differences were found between the PPTs of the two groups for all the muscles evaluated, nor in the prevalence of TMD diagnoses, but the NT1 group reported significantly higher values in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), corresponding to a depressive state. The present study presents an important investigation into NT1 patients, showing no alterations in pain perception and no differences in the prevalence of TMD diagnosis compared to the controls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment)
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6 pages, 533 KiB  
Communication
Incidence of Chronic Pain following Oral Soft Tissue Biopsies: A Retrospective Study
by Adir Cohen, Rame Daod, Rakefet Czerninski, Naama Keshet, Robert Yanko, Andra Rettman, Yair Sharav, Doron J. Aframian and Yaron Haviv
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6719; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116719 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1721
Abstract
Soft tissue oral biopsies (STOB) are commonly performed in the medical field to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. However, like all invasive procedures, these biopsies may carry risks, such as the development of chronic long-lasting neuropathic pain. This study aims to examine [...] Read more.
Soft tissue oral biopsies (STOB) are commonly performed in the medical field to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. However, like all invasive procedures, these biopsies may carry risks, such as the development of chronic long-lasting neuropathic pain. This study aims to examine the occurrence of chronic pain following STOBs. A retrospective study was conducted on the medical records of 695 patients who underwent STOBs at the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Hadassah Medical Center between the years 2013 and 2022. Demographic information, details of the procedure, histopathological diagnosis, and data related to post-procedure pain in the biopsy area were collected and analyzed. Out of the 695 patients, only 4 reports of chronic pain with mild intensity lasting more than three months following oral biopsy were documented, with incidence rate of 0.57%; all were females with a median age of 59 ± 2.0 years. The biopsies were taken from various sites and the common diagnoses were lichen planus, venous malformation, and fibromas. In conclusion, chronic pain after oral soft-tissue biopsies is rare, generally mild, and typically does not require extra therapy. These insights can aid clinicians and patients in making informed decisions about these procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment)
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13 pages, 1256 KiB  
Article
Placebo or Nocebo Interventions as Affected by Hypnotic Susceptibility
by Yair Sharav, Yaron Haviv and Michael Tal
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020931 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine placebo and nocebo effects under hypnotic analgesia in lowly hypnotizable (LH) and highly hypnotizable (HH) subjects. A placebo and nocebo, obtained in a two-step intervention (verbal expectation and conditioning), were studied in 12 LH [...] Read more.
The purpose of the present study was to examine placebo and nocebo effects under hypnotic analgesia in lowly hypnotizable (LH) and highly hypnotizable (HH) subjects. A placebo and nocebo, obtained in a two-step intervention (verbal expectation and conditioning), were studied in 12 LH and 12 HH subjects under hypnosis. Visual analog scales (VASs) of pain intensity were recorded in response to short, painful electrical stimuli. VAS scores of placebo-produced analgesia differed significantly from nocebo-produced hyperalgesia in the LH subjects. Placebo intervention combined with hypnotic analgesia in LH subjects led to an analgesic degree similar to that achieved in the HH subjects. Yet, no difference was detected between the placebo and the nocebo effects on the HH subjects. Expectations for placebo and nocebo were significantly higher in the LH subjects than in the HH subjects. It seems that the HH subjects were more “tuned” to an inner trait that made them less susceptible to contextual cues, and therefore, more resistant to placebo/nocebo interventions. The ability to achieve hypnotic analgesia in LH subjects to the degree reached in the HH subjects under combined placebo intervention and hypnosis induction is of clinical significance. Combining placebo intervention with the induction of hypnotic analgesia could markedly improve analgesia, regardless of the patients’ hypnotic susceptibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment)
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