Oral appliances in the management of neuropathic orofacial pain: A retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropathic orofacial pain disorders are frequently managed with topical or systemic medications that carry a risk of dangerous side effects such as drowsiness, disorientation, and/or physical addiction. The aim of this paper is to report the use of neurosensory oral appliances as a safe means of providing symptomatic relief for neuropathic orofacial pain. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective chart review of patients with diagnoses of persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN), or an oral dysesthesia, who utilized neurosensory appliances with or without the use of topical anesthetic gel. RESULTS: Eleven patients were identified. Eight patients (62.5%) found benefit with the neurosensory appliance alone, and three patients (37.5%) found relief with the addition of lidocaine 2% gel. All patients reported >50% resolution of their symptoms, with three (37.5%) reporting complete resolution. Seven patients maintained follow-up >/=3 months, with efficacy lasting for a range of at least 3-8 months. CONCLUSION: Oral neurosensory appliances, whether used alone as a physical barrier or as a vehicle to deliver topical anesthetic, represent a safe and effective modality for the management of neuropathic orofacial pain disorders. Additional studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy.