Dealing with pain can be unbearable, no matter where it is on your body. Orofacial pain, such as headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and clenching in the jaw are just some examples of orofacial pain that people deal with on a regular basis. And while it can be normal, it’s important to know the root cause of these discomforts. At Spark Sleep Solutions, we offer oral-facial pain treatment in the Bay Area. Orofacial pain can affect people’s sleep, making it unbearable to deal with daily. If you’re looking for relief, our doctors and staff can help! But what is orofacial pain exactly? Find out if you’re suffering from orofacial pain, and how you can treat it.
What is Orofacial Pain?
Orofacial pain refers to a specific type of pain felt around your face, including your head, eyes, mouth, and jaws. Dental conditions, such as toothaches and infection can be responsible for a large percentage of orofacial pain cases. Knowing the cause of your pain can prevent other problems from occurring, such as an untreated infection causing the pain in the first place. So what are some causes of orofacial pain? Sources of orofacial pain may include:
- Oral pain, such as from your teeth or other dental issues.
- Musculoskeletal pain, such as from your muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, or bones.
- Vascular pain, such as issues with your blood vessels or circulation.
- Neuropathic pain, such as damage, dysfunction, or disease in your nerves.
- Head or ENT pain, such as headaches/migraines or ear, nose, or throat pain.
Emphasis TMD/TMJ Pain
TMD and TMJ pain (or what’s known as temporomandibular disorders) can have a major impact on orofacial pain. The joints that connect your jaw to your skull (temporomandibular joints) are complicated structures that can develop disorders leading to pain.
Symptoms of TMD may include:
- Head and mouth/ jaw pain
- Jaw gets stuck open or closed
- Popping or clicking sounds
Some causes of TMD may include:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism)
- Trauma to your mouth, face, or jaw
- Arthritis
- Age-related factors
How to Manage Orofacial Pain
Knowing the pain’s underlying cause is crucial to know what steps to take for treatment. For this reason, it’s important to receive an expert diagnosis from your dental or medical professional. Because pain can have many root causes, you may get referred to a specialist who can diagnose and offer you a specific treatment plan to follow.
Your dental or medical professional may recommend different treatments, including:
- For dental causes: Fillings, root canal procedures, dental restorations (like crowns), and other procedures.
- For TMD causes: Avoiding big movements of your jaw, performing exercise at home, and other interventions.
- Medications: Prescription or over-the-counter options to help manage your pain or treat its underlying cause.
Orofacial pain can have many root causes, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start any specific treatment plans.
Get Treatment for Orofacial Pain Today!
If you’re experiencing orofacial pain or any sleep disorders, contact Spark Sleep Solutions today! We specialize in treating sleep apnea, snoring, and TMD/TMJ. Our expert doctors and staff can help you find relief. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Bay Area offices. We can’t wait to work with you!