The Neural Mechanisms of Oral and Facial Pain

From Volume 28, Issue 7, September 2001 | Pages 359-367

Authors

Samuel W. Cadden

BSc, BDS, PhD, FDS RCS (Edin.)

Unit of Clinical Dental Sciences, The Dental School, University of Dundee

Articles by Samuel W. Cadden

Robert Orchardson

BSc, BDS, PhD, FDS RCPS(Glasg)

Institute of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Laboratory of Human Anatomy, University of Glasgow

Articles by Robert Orchardson

Abstract

Pain is a complex and variable phenomenon that can be influenced by many factors. The neural pathways serving pain are not passive conduits, but are part of a dynamic system which can result in different levels of pain resulting from similar injuries under different circumstances. The passage of signals in these pathways may be inhibited or enhanced at almost any level, from the peripheral sensory receptors to the higher centres of the brain. This review will describe recent developments in our understanding of these mechanisms and how this knowledge may be used in controlling pain.

Article

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Update and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month
  • New content available