As an orofacial pain specialist, I often meet patients who've spent months—even years—searching for answers to persistent pain in their face, jaw, or head. They've seen dentists, ENTs, neurologists, and sometimes even psychiatrists, but the symptoms remain. That's where we come in.
Understanding Orofacial Pain
Orofacial pain is a specialty that sits at the crossroads of dentistry and medicine. We focus on diagnosing and managing pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, and related structures. These aren't your routine dental issues—they're complex, often chronic conditions that require a broader perspective and a specialized skill set.
What Conditions Do We Treat?
The scope of orofacial pain is broad. Some of the most common issues I treat include:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD)
Pain, clicking, locking, or dysfunction in the jaw joint.
Neuropathic Facial Pain
Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia that cause sharp, shooting facial pain.
Chronic Headaches
Especially those rooted in jaw tension, bite imbalance, or muscle dysfunction.
Myofascial Pain
Trigger points and muscular pain affecting the jaw, neck, and face.
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
Including obstructive sleep apnea linked to jaw position or airway collapse.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
A persistent burning sensation in the tongue or oral tissues, often with no clear cause.
Additional Condition
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Which can lead to tooth damage, headaches, and facial pain.
Our Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
Every patient's pain story is unique, so our diagnostic process is thorough. I typically begin with a comprehensive review of your medical and dental history, followed by a physical exam and often advanced imaging like MRIs or CBCT scans. We might also evaluate jaw function and occlusion (how your teeth come together) to uncover subtle imbalances.
Treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all. It may include:
Custom Oral Appliances:
Such as night guards or splints to relieve jaw strain or improve airway patency.
Physical Therapy:
To restore movement and reduce muscle tension.
Medications:
From muscle relaxants to neuropathic agents or anti-inflammatories.
Behavioral Interventions:
Like biofeedback or stress management techniques, which are critical for pain that's worsened by clenching or emotional tension.
Referrals to Other Specialists:
In some cases, we collaborate with neurologists, sleep physicians, or ENTs to ensure comprehensive care.
Why This Specialty Matters
Chronic orofacial pain is more than just discomfort—it can be life-altering. It affects how you eat, sleep, speak, and live. Unfortunately, because these conditions often fall in the gray zone between dentistry and medicine, they're frequently misdiagnosed or inadequately treated.
As a specialist in this field, my goal is to provide clarity, relief, and a path forward. With the right diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, many patients experience dramatic improvement—sometimes for the first time in years.
Ready to Find Relief?
If you're living with unexplained pain in your jaw, face, or head, don't settle for a lifetime of uncertainty. Consult an orofacial pain specialist. Relief may be closer than you think.