Differential diagnosis of two disorders that produce common orofacial pain symptoms.

Severe orofacial pain often is diagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia, with little distinction made as to which type--typical or atypical. In addition, osteonecrosis of the jaws quite often produces symptoms which mimic trigeminal neuralgia. Unless diagnosed correctly, a patient suffering from a condition of "dead bone" may be referred for unnecessary neurosurgery. The general dentist often is the one doctor who can make the proper diagnosis and guide the patient toward the proper treatment.