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TMJ/TMD or Jaw Pain

Temple pain that is bilateral associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) related pain and disorder.

 Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is colloquially called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and encompasses a wide range of pain conditions that affect the jaw. This is because the temporomandibular joint which connects the jaw bone to the skull is supported by muscles and ligaments. Thus, TMJ pain can range from neck pain and shoulder pain to facial muscle pain to headaches and joint pain. 

Nerve Pain

Facial pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

Neuropathic pain or nerve related pain can present in many different ways in the head, face and neck. This can range from trigeminal neuralgia to  glossopharyngeal neuralgia to burning mouth syndrome to post trigeminal neuropathic pain to post herpetic neuralgia. Often neuropathic pain also known as nerve related pain presents as a burning or electric pain.

Headache

Migraine and other primary headache disorders.

Primary headache disorders include migraine, tension-type headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (such as cluster headache) and other primary headache disorders. Headache disorders may present as chronic sinus pressure and pain to headaches that occur in the back of the head to headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Treating headaches requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring

obstructive slee apnea and snoring

Do you snore at night? Are you constantly tired throughout the day? Did you know that you may be suffering from a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea? 

Woman with orofacial pain and jaw pain.

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Orofacial pain is a newly recognized specialty of dentistry that focuses on the treatment and management of head, neck, oral and facial pain. This includes jaw pain, headache disorders, facial pain, nerve pain (neuropathy and neuralgia), tooth pain not related to dental decay or gum disease, neck and shoulder pain, as well as burning mouth syndrome, oral mucositis-related pain, and pain from oral ulcers (mouth sores). 
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The TMJ, also known as the temporomandibular joint, connects the temporal bone (part of the skull) to the mandible (lower jaw). Often people will state that they have TMJ when they are referring to TMJ-related pain, more commonly known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). TMD represents a broad term to describe pain associated with the muscles, joints, and other supporting structures related to the TMJ. Orofacial pain specialists treat and manage TMD along with other orofacial pain conditions.  

What is Orofacial Pain?

What is Dental Oncology?

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Dental oncology is a specialty focusing on the head, neck, and oral manifestations of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or head and neck surgery. Dental oncologists are committed to working closely with oncologists and others involved in a patient's cancer therapy to enhance the patient's quality of life throughout treatment. They treat and manage the head, neck, and oral side effects of cancer therapy such as mucositis, mouth sores, thrush, dry mouth, jaw pain and stiffness, radiation fibrosis syndrome, and pain secondary to cancer therapy. Dental oncologists are also knowledgeable in the developmental side effects of cancer therapy and are equipped to treat pediatric patients with a history of cancer. 

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what is dental oncology
What is Orofacial Pain?
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