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TMJ Disorder Treatment

OROFACIAL PAIN

Orofacial Pain: What is it? Who treats it?

What is Orofacial Pain?

Orofacial pain refers to any pain felt in the face, mouth, jaw or neck. This type of pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including dental or jaw problems, musculoskeletal disorders, nervous system dysfunction,  neurovascular issues, sleep issues, and/or other underlying medical conditions. Orofacial pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that interferes with a person's daily life. Orofacial pain conditions include headaches, idiopathic facial/tooth pain, nerve pain, trigeminal neuralgia, post herpetic neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, etc. 

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What is an Orofacial Pain Specialist?

An Orofacial Pain specialist is among the select few specialties acknowledged and endorsed by the American Dental Association. Distinguished as the sole specialist sanctioned by the ADA for the precise diagnosis and treatment of Orofacial pain, these experts undertake an intensive postgraduate training program lasting 2 to 3 years. Following this rigorous training, they must successfully complete both a comprehensive didactic assessment and an oral examination, ultimately earning the prestigious distinction of board certification as Orofacial Pain specialists.

Diagnosis of Orofacial Pain

Orofacial Pain can be a frustrating experience for many patients, often leading them to see multiple practitioners before finding an Orofacial Pain specialist.

 

The diagnosis of Orofacial pain syndromes relies on the knowledge and skills of a clinician with expertise in:

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  • the ability to gather all the information needed to obtain a full understanding of your issue and any other medical/social issues that may be contributing.
     

  • the ability to perform a complete head and neck examination including the ability to recognize other physical or systemic issues that may be contributing.
     

  • knowledge of appropriate imaging technique (xrays, mri, etc), blood work and diagnostic studies. 
     

  • the ability to arrive at a specific diagnosis rather than a generalized one- ie. TMJ disorder, face pain.
     

  • knowledge of behavioral and psychosocial issues related to chronic pain.
     

  • communication skills and the ability to direct interdisciplinary treatment planning with other healthcare providers.

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Effective Orofacial Pain Treatment Options

After a diagnosis is made, Dr. Jurash works closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan to effectively manage your Orofacial Pain. Our range of treatment options includes:

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  • Patient education/Home program instruction- Research shows that the more a patient is involved with their treatment the more successful their outcome will be.

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  • Oral appliances - TMJ orthotics, Sleep Apnea appliances

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  • Physical therapy- Practitioners that specialize in your condition

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  • Trigger point injections and dry needling for myofascial pain

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  • Temporomandibular Joint injections- for inflammation and/or crepitus
     

  • Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks

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  • Medications- systemic or compounded topicals when appropriate

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  • Botox therapy 

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  • Referrals to the select Specialists when needed

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Dr. Jurash values a collaborative approach to patient care and is dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment solutions for her patients. 

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