Orofacial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect millions of Americans each year. Indeed, as many as 12 percent of American adults suffer from a TMJ disorder. Many try to push through the pain, hoping it will go away. Unfortunately, in many cases, the pain gets worse.

But you don’t have to accept the pain. Orofacial pain dentists like Dr. Mantini know how to diagnose and treat all underlying conditions that cause orofacial pain. You can live a healthier, more fulfilled life by treating orofacial pain.

Common Types Of Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain can be debilitating, making eating, speaking, or moving your jaw difficult. Generally speaking, orofacial pain refers to pain in:

• The jaw and its connecting joints
• The nose and frontal facial area
• The temples and top of the skull
• The ears, including tinnitus

Orofacial pain may also spread to the neck, shoulders, and surrounding areas.

Temporomandibular joint disorders are particularly prevalent. Common symptoms include a locked jaw, jaw clicking, and soreness or sharp pain when moving the jaw. Patients may also feel tension in their faces and temples and accompanying headaches. In some cases, patients may have insomnia.

Unfortunately, orofacial pain is often multi-factorial and can be caused by several conditions and complications. While correctly diagnosing and effectively treating orofacial pain can be difficult, Dr. Mantini can leverage his years of experience to treat you or your loved one’s condition.

Causes & Disorders Related To Facial Pain

Many conditions and circumstances can cause orofacial pain. Physical injuries, diseases, bad habits, and other factors can cause orofacial pain. Within a given year, as many as 13 million Americans will suffer from chronic orofacial pain that’s severe enough to require treatment.

Dr. Ernest Mantini has dedicated his practice to treating orofacial pain and other disorders.

Causes of Orofacial pain:

• Damaged joints and muscles – leading to improper functioning.
• Misaligned joints- increases wear and tear, as well as strain.
• Teeth grinding- can damage bones, joints, and muscles.
• Clenching teeth- can also damage muscles, joints, and bones.
• Burning Mouth- lesions and burning sensation in the mouth.
• High stress- can lead to clenched teeth and other conditions.
• Poor oral hygiene- could cause infections and other issues.
• TMD- often accompanied by orofacial pain.

Orofacial pain can be related to many other disorders. One common disorder, often comorbid (related to), is insomnia. Orofacial pain can make it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

How Are These Disorders Diagnosed?

Due to the complexities of orofacial pain, there’s no one-size fits all approach. Each patient and case must be diagnosed individually, considering physical attributes, habits, and underlying conditions.

Your Davidsville dentist may also use X-rays, CT scans, and video arthroscopy. Experts like Dr. Mantini also know how to take a hands-on approach, massaging and otherwise exploring the jaw and connecting muscles by hand to discover what’s wrong.

Orofacial Pain Treatment

The first step in treating orofacial pain is to diagnose the cause correctly. Unfortunately, because multiple conditions can cause orofacial pain, it’s easy to diagnose the underlying factors improperly. Many of our patients have visited several offices before getting the answers they sought here. That’s why contacting a proven orofacial pain doctor like Dr. Mantini is vital.

Each cause of orofacial pain, TMD, and related conditions must be treated appropriately. Treatment methods may include stopping bad habits, such as teeth grinding. In other cases, prescription drugs may be the best solution. Different situations may necessitate surgery.

In some cases, home care is possible. Over-the-counter pain pills, hot/cold compresses, and certain supplements, such as magnesium, may be effective. However, relief may be insufficient or temporary.

Common Treatments for Orofacial Pain

• OTC and prescription pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Mouth guards and oral splints (often to prevent teeth grinding)
• Physical therapy
• Injections, including botulinum and corticosteroid

TMJ Surgery

• Arthrocentesis- Pins are used to drain fluids and remove debris.
• TMJ arthroscopy- minimally invasive surgery.
• Modified condylotomy- Surgery on the mandible.
• Open-joint surgery- full-scope surgery to repair or replace the joint.

In addition, patients can receive individualized counseling to help identify habits that may be causing pain. Patients will then know which habits to avoid or modify to relieve pain.