Orofacial Pain Treatment

Have you had facial pain for the past few months, but doctors or dentists cannot figure out the root problem?

This may be an indication of an orofacial pain diagnosis.

To know for sure, and to get the proper treatment you deserve, call The Pain Management Center.

What is Orofacial Pain?

Orofacial pain is a condition that refers to pain in the following areas: gums, face, head, neck, jaw, ears, or teeth.

A few types of neuropathic orofacial pain exist:

  • trigeminal neuralgia
  • pre-trigeminal neuralgia
  • atypical odontalgia (phantom tooth pain)
  • chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Severe oral pain can sometimes be confused with trigeminal neuralgia, which is a specific type of nerve disorder. Furthermore, neuropathic orofacial pain is often difficult to diagnose due to confusion and the fact that it is a chronic pain condition.

Common Symptoms of Orofacial Pain

Symptoms may vary depending on the root cause of orofacial pain. Here are some symptoms that most people experience when diagnosed with this condition:

  • consistent throbbing pain
  • sharp, burning pain
  • mild or severe pain
  • painful tongue
  • sharp, shooting facial pain
  • pain after shingles

What Causes Orofacial Pain?

  • temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
  • dental procedure such as periodontal work, a root canal, or a tooth extraction
  • post herpetic neuralgia (PHN)
  • neuropathic pains or headaches
  • muscle injury
  • repetitive strain

Our trained, experienced doctors and professionals will try our very best to determine the root cause of your symptoms. That way we can choose the best treatment options to alleviate your symptoms.

Treatment and Care Options

Treatment depends on the root cause of the orofacial pain. Our doctors will work very hard to determine the root cause in order to choose the best course of treatment for you. Treatment options include:

  • physical therapy
  • trigger point pressure release
  • trigger point injections
  • medications and OTC medications

Managing and Living With Orofacial Pain

To treat orofacial pain as best as possible, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. It is important to treat orofacial trigger points, manage ongoing pain, and reduce contributing factors.

Regular exercises at home and physical therapy stretches are important activities to implement, as well as stress reduction.