Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain is pain felt in the oral cavity and/oranywhere in the face. Precisely orofacial pain are pain conditions occurring under the orbitomeatal ridge, anterior to pinnae above the neck, including the forehead. Pain can be caused by systemic diseases, any referral from distant sites,infections or dysfunction of the localized structures such as the temporomandibular joint, or by nervous system dysfunction. Orofacial pain is the newestCommission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Associationrecognized speciality of dentistry and an emerging speciality in several countries.Orofacial pain specialist belongs to this particular branch of dentistryexclusive for the identification, treatment, and management of the disorders in the orofacial region including temporomandibular joint disorders, and sleep apnea.Orofacial pain specialists work with other healthcare providers such as dentists, physicians, ENTs and neurologist to enable the patients receive the best possible treatment outcome.

How frequent do people experience headaches and orofacial pain?

Orofacial pain is more prevalent than expected. Almost, half of the world population suffer from headache at least once a year, and a quarter of the world population suffer from facial pain.Headaches and facial pain can often occur together making it difficult to identify and differentiate between the two.

Who can treat Orofacial pain conditions?

Orofacial pain Specialist are uniquely trained individuals recognized by the American Board of Orofacial Pain, as specialist who are trained and qualified to identify, diagnose and treat pain related to orofacial (mouth, face, and jaws) region. Since facial pain conditions are very commonly misdiagnosed and neglected, patients undergo severe distress. These conditions have significant impact on the patient’s quality of life and psychological well-being.Early recognition and identification of these disorders by an orofacial pain specialist will enable the person gain confidence, relief, and prevent unnecessary treatment intervention.

What are the different types of orofacial pain conditions?

Different types of facial pain include myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, neuralgia, referred pain, chronic regional pain syndromes, neurovascular headaches, neuropathic pain conditions and several others.

Can systemic diseases present as orofacial pain?

Yes! Several systemic diseases present as orofacial pain, this includes thyroid disorders, diabetes, vascular disorders, deficiency, and several others.