Translating science into the art of acute pain management
Gordon, S.M.
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry 28(5): 248-260; Quiz 261, 282
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1548-8578 PMID: 17607890 Document Number: 609959
Pain is a multistep process that originates in the peripheral nervous system at the site of injury, is transmitted and processed within the central nervous system, and is perceived at the level of the cerebral cortex. Each of these steps in pain transmission is subject to intervention, with the possibility of reducing or blocking the nociceptive information to result in decreased pain. Based on knowledge of pain processes, dentists can use analgesic strategies to prevent or reduce pain.