The UCSF Center for Orofacial Pain, one of the first two centers of its kind in the United States, was established in 1959. The Center specializes in the diagnosis and management of pain related to the face, head, temporomandibular joints (TMJs), mouth, teeth, as well as associated headaches, neck pain, and neuropathic pain (such as phantom tooth pain). We also offer dental sleep medicine services, including oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.
What is an Orofacial Pain Specialist?
An Orofacial Pain specialist is a highly trained dental professional recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). This specialty is unique as it is the only one sanctioned by the ADA for the precise diagnosis and treatment of Orofacial pain. After completing dental school, these specialists undergo an intensive 2 to 3-year training program. To become board-certified, they must pass both a comprehensive didactic assessment and an oral examination.
What is Orofacial Pain?
Orofacial Pain (OFP) is a specialized field within dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pain disorders affecting the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck. OFP-related disorders include, but are not limited to:
- Temporomandibular muscle and joint (TMJ) disorders
- Jaw movement disorders
- Nerve and neurovascular pain disorders
- Headaches
- Sleep disorders
Symptoms of OFP may include atypical pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, muscular incoordination, and abnormal sensations such as itching or tingling in the head and neck region. This specialty also addresses unexplained or unresolved tooth pain following procedures like root canals, extractions, or implants.
What is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental Sleep Medicine involves the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, sleep medicine specialists, and surgeons. At our center, we focus on treating sleep breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), using a variety of oral appliances. Our expertise in temporomandibular structures ensures that we provide comprehensive care that addresses airway, sleep, and jaw health.