Biography – Dr. Gary D. Klasser, DMD, Cert. Orofacial PainDr. Gary D. Klasser obtained his dental degree from the University of Manitoba (Canada) in 1980. Over the next 22 years, he enjoyed the practice of general dentistry from both a public health and private practice perspective until he returned to graduate studies in 2002. In 2004, he completed his training and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Certificate in Orofacial Pain. In 2005, he completed a fellowship in Oral Medicine/Oral Oncology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). From 2005 – 2011, he was an Assistant Professor and Director of the Oral Medicine/Orofacial Pain clinic at the College of Dentistry in the University of Illinois at Chicago. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at Louisiana State University, School of Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. Dr. Klasser has published numerous peer reviewed scientific articles while contributing many chapters to various textbooks. He also serves as an associate editor or as an editorial reviewer for a number of journals. He is also co-editor of several textbooks related to oral and facial pain and is a Past-President of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
AbstractsTrigeminal neuralgia from a dental perspectiveTrigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition that is associated with extreme pain in the area(s) innervated by the trigeminal nerve (CN V). It presents with sharp, shooting and electric-like excruciating pain paroxysms which are often precipitated by relatively innocuous stimuli located in both extraoral and intraoral sites. Due to this, dental practitioners are often the first healthcare provider contacted by the patient for this condition. Therefore, it is incumbent for the dental practitioner to recognize this presentation and understand the role they play in potentially diagnosing this disease and on how to manage these patients when they are in need of dental care. Bruxism – It is time for a change in thinkingThe term and condition known as Bruxism has been studied for many years. However, over the past number of years there has been an explosion of interest and publications regarding this topic. This was made possible due to advancement in scientific knowledge and technology resulting in a significant evolution in our understanding of this phenomenon. Consequently, as a prerequisite to improve and enhance our understanding of this phenomenon, a paradigm shift on how the profession views and thinks about this disorder may be necessary. Persistent pain after successful dental proceduresDental practitioners are routinely asked to diagnose and treat pain of presumed dental origin. In the majority of cases, the dental intervention(s) employed provide pain resolution. However, some patients continue to report persistent pain in the dentition or adjacent areas even though successful clinical and radiographic criteria are met. These individuals may be suffering from a category of pain referred to as “nociplastic pain”. In these circumstances, it is important for the dental practitioner to recognize, differentially diagnose and then to understand the various management strategies related to this condition. This will be of great benefit and assistance to both the dental practitioner and their patients.