Orofacial Pain: Innovations in Treatment Modalities and Patient Care

Dear Colleagues,

In the complex and often misunderstood landscape of chronic pain, orofacial pain stands as a uniquely challenging and debilitating condition. It is not merely a symptom but also a syndrome that intertwines physical agony with profound psychological and social distress. The persistent discomfort of jaw, neck, and facial pain, coupled with headaches, ear issues, and jaw dysfunction, can shatter a patient's quality of life. Yet, beyond these tangible physical symptoms lies an insidious burden of anxiety, depression, social isolation, and strained relationships, as the invisible nature of the pain leaves patients feeling misunderstood and alone. As the field evolves, so too must our approach to diagnosis and treatment. This Special Issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine will serve as a vital forum for showcasing the latest innovations that are moving us toward more accurate diagnoses and more effective, patient-centered care.

The diagnostic journey for an individual with orofacial pain is often a prolonged and frustrating one, frequently marked by misdiagnosis and unnecessary, irreversible treatments. Patients may undergo costly and invasive procedures, such as root canals or jaw surgeries, that fail to address the underlying cause of their suffering. The interdisciplinary nature of orofacial pain, spanning fields from dentistry and otolaryngology to neurology and oral surgery, can complicate the pursuit of a unified and comprehensive diagnostic approach. This fragmentation highlights a critical need for new research that establishes clearer diagnostic pathways and fosters greater collaboration among specialists. We believe that this Special Issue can sevrve as a catalyst for such change, bringing together diverse perspectives and methodologies to create a more integrated understanding of these complex disorders.

Recent developments signal a turning point in the field, most notably the official recognition of orofacial pain as a dental specialty in the United States. This landmark achievement has established a formal, evidence-based pathway for education and certification, providing a clear framework for practitioners dedicated to diagnosing and treating these conditions. However, this progress is not yet global. The establishment of dedicated specialists and educational systems, particularly in the realm of psychosomatic dentistry, has lagged in many regions of the world. This disparity has hindered research and clinical responses to diseases accompanied by psychiatric symptoms, such as the perplexing and often intractable burning mouth syndrome. There is a pressing need for research that addresses these gaps, sharing knowledge and best practices across international borders to elevate patient care on a global scale.

This Special Issue, titled “Orofacial Pain: Innovations in Treatment Modalities and Patient Care,” invites researchers and clinicians to submit their groundbreaking work. We seek original research papers and comprehensive review articles that offer new insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and management of orofacial pain. Our goal is to present a collection of papers that not only advances our scientific understanding but also translates directly into benefits for patients. We are particularly interested in submissions that focus on patient outcomes and quality of life, reflecting a holistic view of the patient as a person, not just a set of symptoms.

Submissions are encouraged on, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Novel Diagnostic Techniques: Papers on advances in imaging, biomarker identification, or clinical assessment tools that improve the accuracy and speed of orofacial pain diagnosis;
• Innovative Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Therapies: Research on new medications, regenerative therapies, physical therapy techniques, or mind–body interventions that provide effective relief;
• Interdisciplinary and Patient-Centered Care Models: Studies on successful collaborative care approaches that integrate dental, medical, and psychological specialists to provide comprehensive treatment;
• Psychosomatic and Mental Health Interventions: Research on the psychological of orofacial pain, including new therapies for conditions such as burning mouth syndrome and chronic neuropathic pain;
• Genetic and Neuropathic Mechanisms: Studies that explore the underlying biological and neurological pathways of conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and persistent idiopathic facial pain;
• Advances in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder Management: Research on new surgical or non-surgical interventions, including conservative and minimally invasive approaches;
• Pediatric Orofacial Pain: Insights into unique challenges and treatment strategies for children and adolescents suffering from these conditions;
• Telehealth and Digital Health Solutions: Papers on how technology can improve access to specialized care and support for patients in remote or underserved areas.

By bringing together a diverse body of high-quality research, we will provide a definitive resource for orofacial pain specialists and the broader medical community. The knowledge shared within this Special Issue will not only inform clinical practice but also inspire future research, ultimately helping us to alleviate the immense suffering caused by these conditions. Your contribution is essential to this mission. We look forward to receiving your submissions and working together to shape the future of orofacial pain treatment and patient care.

Dr. Takahiko Nagamine
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• orofacial pain
• treatment
• patient care
• oral dysfunction
• chronic pain
• burning mouth syndrome
• temporomandibular joint pain: oral cenesthopathy
• atypical odontalgia
• phantom bite syndrome