Recognition and treatment of migraine patient in dental practice.

Migraine headache is a common, disabling clinical problem afflicting millions of Americans. Many dental problems are related to headaches and many conditions can cause orofacial pain and headaches, which complicates a definitive diagnosis. Temporomandibular joint disorders, toothache, jaw and sinus pain often coexist with headaches. A toothache of nonodontogenic origin may require a team of dentists and physicians to diagnosis and manage. It is important for the dentist to recognize and understand the management of common headaches, such as migraine, and be able to differentiate between a nonodontogenic headache and a "real" toothache.