The article is an overview of the current concepts regarding the properties and behavior of pain. Pain is now being recognized as a subjective feeling more than a mere physical sensation. It is no longer viewed as a single sensory event signaling tissue damage. Thus, simultaneously the role of psychological factors in the experience of pain has also been highlighted to apply this knowledge to oral pain conditions. Pain is a complex perception that differs enormously among individual patients. It is for this reason why the word ?pain__ampersandsignlsquo; has not been defined in a manner agreeable to all, despite its long history. The understanding of pain, to its fullest, requires an adroit clinician, one who is cognizant in the integration of neuroanatomy, psychology and pharmacology. A broader goal is to further the dentist__ampersandsignlsquo;s understanding of physiology of pain to aid in the diagnosis of chronic orofacial pain and its successful management.