Rebroadcast: Persistent Pain after Dental Treatment with Dr. Gary Klasser

Persistent pain following dental treatment can be one of the most challenging clinical situations faced by dental professionals. When pain persists despite a technically successful procedure and no identifiable odontogenic cause, clinicians must consider the possibility of neuropathic pain and other non-dental pain conditions.

In this episode of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain Podcast, Dr. Gary Klasser discusses the mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of persistent pain after dental treatment. The conversation explores current terminology, including persistent idiopathic facial pain and painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy, while highlighting how these conditions differ from odontogenic pain and why outdated terms such as "atypical facial pain" should be avoided. 

Listeners will gain practical insights into recognizing clinical features suggestive of neuropathic pain, identifying risk factors associated with common dental procedures, conducting a thorough diagnostic evaluation, and determining when additional dental treatment may be contraindicated. Dr. Klasser also reviews evidence-informed management strategies, including patient education, behavioral approaches, pharmacologic therapies, interdisciplinary care, and the importance of setting realistic treatment expectations to improve quality of life. 

Whether you provide restorative, endodontic, surgical, or general dental care, this podcast offers valuable guidance for recognizing persistent post-treatment pain, avoiding unnecessary interventions, and facilitating timely referral when appropriate.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the new terminology proposed by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) for neuropathic pain conditions affecting the orofacial pain region
• Summarize the different management options available for persistent facial idiopathic pain (PFIP) or painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN)
• Explain the prognosis of persistent facial idiopathic pain (PFIP) or painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN)

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This re-release has been reviewed by AAOP's Continuing Education Oversight Committee and been approved to be eligible for up to 0.75 continuing education credits. Approval expires 7/11/2029