Facial pain of neurologic origin mimicking oral pathologic conditions: some current concepts and treatment.

A variety of pain syndromes of the face can arise from extradental pathologic conditions that can, at times, be confusing. Awareness of pain syndromes of neurologic origin that can mimic pathologic dental conditions is helpful. When doubt persists, rather than extract or endodontically treat a tooth, injection of a local anesthetic to the most sensitive areas can be a helpful diagnostic test. We recognize that there are many entities, including dental and temporomandibular joint syndromes, that much more often account for facial pain. However, we believe that those who most often treat these patients should also be aware of some of the advances in the understanding of the causes and treatment of the neurologic syndromes that can mimic pathologic oral conditions.