ABOP Orofacial Pain study plan

Map the trigeminal nerve's three divisions and their cutaneous and intraoral territories from memory

Trace the blood supply and venous drainage of the TMJ and masticatory muscles

Describe the anatomy of the TMJ disc, capsule, and ligaments and explain how each structure constrains joint movement

Explain the physiology of muscle contraction in the masticatory system and the role of the muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ

Distinguish nociceptive, inflammatory, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain by mechanism and clinical example

Explain peripheral sensitization and central sensitization and identify the mediators involved in each

Describe descending inhibitory and facilitatory pathways and their relevance to orofacial pain chronification

Compare A-delta, C, and A-beta fiber properties and their roles in pain transmission

Classify TMD into masticatory muscle disorders, disc displacement disorders, and arthralgia/degenerative joint disease using DC/TMD criteria

List the DC/TMD clinical examination steps and the axis I diagnostic decision points

Differentiate myofascial pain from disc displacement with reduction by history and examination findings

Identify imaging indications for TMJ disorders and when CBCT or MRI is appropriate

Perform and document a structured orofacial pain history and examination sequence from memory

Interpret the diagnostic value of panoramic, CBCT, and MRI findings in TMD and odontogenic pain

Differentiate odontogenic from non-odontogenic pain using pulp vitality, percussion, and provocation testing

Apply diagnostic criteria to separate TMD from headache and neuropathic disorders

Apply ICHD criteria to distinguish migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache

Explain the pathophysiology of migraine including cortical spreading depression and trigeminovascular activation

Differentiate primary headache disorders from secondary headaches and identify red-flag features

Describe the relationship between TMD and primary headache disorders and how to sequence diagnosis

Differentiate trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, and painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy by history and examination

Describe the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and the role of nerve injury in ectopic impulse generation

Explain the mechanisms and presentation of burning mouth syndrome and persistent idiopathic facial pain

Identify first-line pharmacologic options for neuropathic orofacial pain and their monitoring requirements

Describe the relationship between sleep bruxism, obstructive sleep apnea, and orofacial pain

Identify screening tools for sleep-disordered breathing and state when to refer

Compare pharmacologic classes used in orofacial pain by mechanism, indication, and adverse effects

Select appropriate non-pharmacologic therapies including occlusal appliances, physical therapy, and CBT for a given presentation

Apply a biopsychosocial framework to identify psychosocial contributors to orofacial pain

Select and interpret screening instruments for anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing

Describe multidisciplinary referral pathways and coordination among dentistry, neurology, and behavioral health

Integrate all domains in full-length practice cases and audit weak areas