Orofacial pain
Orofacial pain arises from the face and mouth, a region that is bounded by the floor of the eye sockets, above the neckline, and in front of the ear. It excludes pain from the teeth.
The symptoms you experience can be extremely variable as well. It could range from a mild toothache or earache to sharp electrifying pain that radiates through the jaw. The onset and duration of your symptoms will similarly vary across a wide range. You may have been tolerating a chronic, nagging ache or suddenly noticed a recent episode of pain.
What are the Causes of Orofacial Pain?
There are many known causes of orofacial pain. The following are some of the most cited of those causes:
- Migraine headaches
- Involuntary muscle spasms in the head, jaw or neck
- Complications following certain surgeries
- Missing teeth
- Uneven bite
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)
- Excessive tooth decay or gum disease, resulting in bone loss
- Injury to the face or jaw
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching of the teeth)
How is orofacial pain treated?
Because orofacial pain is so varied in how it affects different people, it needs to be evaluated and treated on a case-by-case basis. Before making a diagnosis, an evaluation should be performed to determine the nature of the individual problem. X-rays, models of the mouth and jaws will help formulate an effective treatment plan, all explained in detail to the patient before starting any procedure.
While initial pain relief is obviously key in treating orofacial pain, correcting the underlying problem is just as important. Your oral surgeon will need to ensure that any issues causing the pain are resolved to prevent the condition from returning in the future.
Orofacial pain can progress over time to a debilitating condition that prevents you from fully enjoying your daily life. Schedule your consultation today to speak with a professional oral and maxillofacial surgeon and begin your journey to a freer, pain-free life.