What isOrofacial Pain?

Orofacial pain refers to pain and related symptoms felt in the face, mouth, jaws, head, and neck. It may arise from the muscles, temporomandibular joints, nerves, teeth, or surrounding tissues, and can present as aching, sharp, burning, or pressure-like discomfort. Because these structures share complex nerve pathways, orofacial pain often overlaps with headaches, jaw dysfunction, tooth pain, ear symptoms, and sleep-related breathing problems, making an accurate diagnosis essential.

The Specialty ofof Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain is a specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck. It is dedicated to the evidence- based understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of these disorders and to improving access to interdisciplinary patient care.

Orofacial pain associated disorders include, but are not limited to, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle disorders, jaw movement disorders, nerve and neurovascular pain disorders, primary headache, and sleep disorders.