[Orofacial pain: a discipline on the brink of a new era]. / Orofaciale pijn: een vakgebied aan de vooravond van een nieuw tijdperk.

ABSTRACT

The orofacial pain discipline is on the brink of a new era. The introduction of a new definition of pain that, unlike the previous definition, also applies to individuals who cannot verbally express their pain, as well as the publication of the new international classification for orofacial pain, will contribute significantly to the improvement of the quality of the diagnostic process, thus increasing the chance of a successful treatment. Ultimately, the orofacial pain patient will emerge as the winner. The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to these important recent developments and to provide him/her with an understanding of the implications of these developments for orofacial pain diagnosis and treatment in general and specialized dental practice.