This specialty addresses complex pain conditions that often extend beyond typical dental issues, encompassing a multidisciplinary approach to care. An orofacial pain specialist Houston is a dentist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating pain disorders affecting the face, mouth, jaw, head, and neck.
Orofacial pain specialist Houston refers to discomfort or pain in the oral and facial regions, which can arise from various sources such as:
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
- Bruxism: Involuntary teeth grinding or clenching.
- Neuropathic Pain: Pain resulting from nerve damage or dysfunction.
- Headaches and Migraines: Including those with facial pain components.
- Sleep Disorders: Such as obstructive sleep apnea.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: A condition causing a burning sensation in the mouth.
- Myofascial Pain: Muscle pain and tension in the face and neck
When Should You See One?
- Unexplained face, jaw, or mouth pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Pain that dentists or doctors haven’t been able to diagnose
- TMJ problems, jaw locking, or clicking
- Chronic headaches that might be linked to jaw or muscle tension
- Nerve pain, tingling, or burning in the face or mouth orofacial pain specialist Houston
What Does an Orofacial Pain Specialist Do?
They evaluate and treat complex, chronic, or unexplained orofacial pain specialist Houston in areas such as:
- Jaw joints (TMJ/TMD)
- Facial muscles
- Teeth (when the pain isn’t due to cavities or infections)
- Nerves of the face (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia)
- Headaches related to jaw or facial strain
- Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Sleep-related disorders orofacial pain specialist Houston (e.g., bruxism or sleep apnea)
Common Conditions Treated
| Condition | Description |
| Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) | Pain, clicking, or locking in the jaw joint |
| Myofascial Pain | Chronic pain from the facial or jaw muscles |
| Trigeminal Neuralgia | Sharp, electric-like facial nerve pain |
| Burning Mouth Syndrome | Chronic burning sensation without clear cause |
| Atypical Odontalgia | Tooth pain without a dental cause |
| Headaches and migraines | Especially when triggered by jaw clenching or muscle tension |
| Bruxism (teeth grinding) | May cause facial pain or headaches |
How They Diagnose and Treat
An orofacial pain specialist in Houston typically uses:
- A thorough clinical and pain history exam
- Imaging (X-rays, CBCT, MRI)
- Conservative treatments, such as:
- Custom oral appliances (night guards, splints)
- Physical therapy or posture training
- Medications (e.g., muscle relaxants, antidepressants for nerve pain)
- Nerve blocks or Botox (for muscle or nerve-based pain)
- Behavioral therapy or biofeedback
- Referral to neurologists or pain specialists for complex cases
