Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) / Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
Orofacial Pain
Orofacial pain refers to pain that is localized to the regions of the face and oral cavity. This type of pain can encompass various structures, including the mouth, jaw, face, head, and neck. Orofacial pain is complex, and it can arise from a variety of sources.
Key aspects of orofacial pain include:
- Diverse Causes: Orofacial pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including dental issues (such as toothaches, cavities, or gum disease), temporomandibular disorders (TMD), trauma, sinusitis, neuralgia (nerve-related pain), tension-type headaches, migraines, and various other medical conditions.
- TMD and TMJ pain: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a common cause of orofacial pain. These disorders involve dysfunction or misalignment of the jaw joint and surrounding structures, leading to symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth.
- Neuropathic Pain: nerve pain, also called neuralgia, occurs when a health condition affects the nerves that carry sensations to your brain. It is usually caused by nerve damage or dysfunction and may present as an orofacial pain condition. Conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, or post-herpetic neuralgia can result in sharp, shooting pain in the face.
- Muscle Pain: Muscle pain in the face and jaw can result from conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome or tension-type headaches. Clenching or grinding of teeth, stress, and muscle imbalances can contribute to muscle-related orofacial pain.
- Sinus and Dental Causes: Sinus infections, dental infections, or dental procedures can lead to orofacial pain. Pain from sinusitis may be felt in the cheeks, forehead, or upper teeth.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition causing a scalding or burning sensation in the mouth, often without a clear cause. It can affect various oral areas, especially the tongue, and may worsen throughout the day and persist for months, sometimes years. Some symptoms include tingling, numbness, dry mouth, or changes in taste. However, despite patient discomfort, there may be no visible irritation. Due to the elusive nature of BMS, it requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment options. Dr. Daia is equipped to provide a thorough neurological evaluation and mostly non-invasive treatments!
Tell us about your orofacial pain at your free consultation!
Headaches & Migraines
Headaches and migraines are a painful nuisance that many individuals experience regularly, often with several different contributing factors. A lesser-known area of exploration is the relationship between dentofacial orthopedics, orthodontics, and headache relief. There are several oral factors that can contribute to headaches and migraines including a misaligned bite, Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), airway issues, and more. Dr. Daia has witnessed firsthand how addressing issues such as habits, misaligned teeth or jaw discrepancies can lead to remarkable improvements in patients’ headache symptoms.
Navigating Solutions for TMD/TMJ
Pain and or dysfunction in the head and neck region doesn’t have to be a part of your everyday life. As a leading expert in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and Orofacial Pain studies, Dr. Daia is fully equipped to provide prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these orofacial pain disorders so you can live a pain-free, healthy life.
Some TMD symptoms include:
- Biting/chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Migraines
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Neck and shoulder pain or tension
- Dizziness
- Headaches or earaches in the morning
- Locked jaw (inability to open/close the mouth)
If you or a family member are experiencing any of these uncomfortable TMD/TMJ symptoms, please get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment for TMJ treatment with Dr. Daia.
Treatment Approaches
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and be pain-free!