European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

Book Review - Orofacial pain: Guidelines for assessment, diagnosis, and management American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP)

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Cover Date

June 2011

Print ISSN

0965-7452

Vol

19

Issue

2

Abstract

Orofacial pain: Guidelines for assessment, diagnosis, and management American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP). Editor Reny de Leeuw. ISBN 0867154136. Quintessence 2008. Softback £20. 318 pages 9 colour illustrations
This is the fourth edition of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain’s guidelines for orofacial pain (OFP). In the book’s preface it clearly sets out its aim as to provide “insight into, and assist the reader with, the procedures of evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and management of orofacial pain conditions, based on the latest scientific knowledge” (pviii). Throughout the next eleven chapters it achieves this aim. The introductory chapter is an excellent summary of: the epidemiology of OFP, pain constructs, biopsychosocial interactions, comorbid pains, and neurophysiology and anatomy. The description of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is one of the clearest explanations I have seen on this subject and is to be recommended to all those who seek to gain a first insight into this area. The second and third chapters go on from the introduction in more depth explaining the assessment and differential diagnosis of the OFP patient. They do so in a clear and systematic manner. Combined with the very helpful glossary provided by the book, chapters one to three would be essential reading for anyone studying OFP at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. The majority of the remaining chapters of the book deal with the variety of OFP groups/diagnoses: Vascular and nonvascular intracranial disorders; primary headache disorders; episodic and continuous neuropathic pain; intraoral pain disorders; Temporomandibular disorders; cervicogenic mechanisms of OFP and headaches; extracranial and systemic causes of head and facial pain. The chapters on the orofacial pain diagnoses tend to deal with each diagnosis in a similar manner explaining, wherever possible, the: clinical presentation, the pathogenesis, and management considerations of each distinct OFP diagnosis. The book also helpfully references the international Headache Society classification (IHS) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) where appropriate for each diagnosis. The OFP diagnoses management sections succinctly outline at least the initial management of each diagnosis, and for some diagnoses, further management strategies. The strategies are cross-referenced to appropriate evidence wherever possible. The final chapter of the book considers bio-behavioural interactions in OFP and in keeping with the rest of the book does so in a concise and comprehensible manner. This book is a compulsory reference text for any (specialist) practitioner with a interest in managing OFP. It provides an excellent aide-memoir and link to evidence that one might have read but forgotten the authors. For the undergraduate and postgraduate, chapters one to three and the glossary are excellent summaries of the basic knowledge most practitioners should have in relation to OFP. Justin Durham School of Dental Sciences Newcastle University