Once the source of your problem is identified, your doctor will recommend a customized treatment plan and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your pain and adjust treatment as needed.
Orofacial pain specialists administer and manage the following treatments:
Oral Appliances
Customized oral appliances, such as mouth guards or splints can help align structures like your jaw, reduce damaging nighttime oral habits, protect your teeth, reduce tension and pressure in the chewing muscles, reduce TMJ symptoms, and reduce pain.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, muscle relaxants, or other pain-relieving medicines.
Injections and Nerve Block Procedures
These procedures deliver medications or numbing agents close to the source of your pain and offer temporary pain relief.
- Injection types:
- Trigger point injection
- Steroid injection
- Hyaluronic acid injection
- Platelet-rich plasma injection
- Onabotulinum toxin A (commonly called Botox) injection
- Nerve block types:
- Sphenopalatine ganglion block
- Trigeminal nerve branch block
- Occipital nerve block
Surgery
You may be eligible for surgery if other treatments fail and/or if you have severe pain, a tumor, or difficulty opening your mouth.
Your orofacial pain specialist may also recommend or refer you for these conservative treatments:
Lifestyle Changes
Getting more sleep and avoiding certain foods, behaviors, or triggers may help prevent painful episodes.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists teach you stretches and exercises to optimize your mouth and facial function, prevent injury, and reduce pain.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Specialized psychologists offer counseling and teach coping skills to help you manage your pain.
Complementary Treatments
Medical massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care may help relieve symptoms.
