FACIAL PAIN CONDITION
Facial pain conditions can be very disabling and often result in negative impact upon a patient’s quality of life. These conditions are often misdiagnosed, which can lead to costly and irreversible dental treatment, or surgery and delays in receiving appropriate management.
Temporomandibular Disorder
TMD is a very common, painful condition which affects the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints) and associated muscles. Very rarely is TMD associated with an underlying issue with the jaws such as arthritis (wear and tear of the jaw joints), and most people with painful TMD will have healthy jaw joints and muscles. TMD is sometimes called facial arthromyalgia (FAM) or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD).
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a very severe, electric shock-like facial pain. TN involves the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensory information to the brain from the face and mouth. TN pain starts suddenly and usually only lasts a few seconds. TN pain is often triggered by light touch or movement of the face or mouth. For many people, the pain is felt in or around the mouth, which may be mistaken for toothache.
Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain
Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP), formerly known as ‘atypical facial pain’, is a condition characterised by pain in one or more areas of the face which isn’t related to an underlying issue such as toothache. PIFP does not have a specific trigger and is often described as a constant or frequently recurring pain that can significantly affect quality of life.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is a condition which is characterized by a burning pain or unpleasant sensation usually confined to the lips or tongue but can be more widespread in the mouth. The sensation can be continuous or may come and go. Sometimes it can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as a sensation of dry mouth, an unpleasant taste or feelings of numbness.
