USC Orofacial Pain Symposium

Feb 19 and 20, 2010 Dr Betz attended the USC Orofacial Pain Symposium on the campus of the USC Dental School. Chief presenter, Glenn T. Clark, DDS, MS is the professor of the Orofacial Pain clinic at USC. Topics included signs, symptoms, and treatment of chronic orofacial pain neurogenous disease, and various types of headaches. This type of disease has been hard to diagnose, sometimes confused with Temporomandibular joint disorder (“TMJ”) or Atypical trigeminal neuralgia. Symptoms, for example, may include:

• Difficulty or discomfort in chewing or biting
• Clicking, popping, or grating sound on opening or closing mouth
• Dull, aching facial pain
• Earache
• Headache
• Jaw pain or jaw tenderness
• Impaired ability to open or close mouth

When not caused by a neurogenous disease, these symptoms can sometimes be precipitated by a sleep disorder called bruxism, or teeth gnashing.

In this symposium, new diagnostic methods, tools, and treatments for orofacial pain neurogenous disease were shared. We hope this new diagnostic information will enhance our ability to treat patients with these special problems. We have always had the ability to refer difficult cases to Dr. Clark. His clinic has helped several of our patients.