Specialist diagnosis and management of orofacial pain in West Hills, CA — temporomandibular, myofascial, and neuropathic facial pain of non-odontogenic origin.
Definition
Orofacial pain refers to pain conditions affecting the face, mouth, jaw, and associated structures that are not primarily of dental (odontogenic) origin. Differential diagnosis is required to distinguish orofacial pain from dental, sinus, otologic, and intracranial pathology.
Diagnostic Framework
Diagnosis follows criteria consistent with the International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP), which categorizes conditions into:
- Orofacial pain attributed to disorders of dentoalveolar and anatomically related structures
- Myofascial orofacial pain
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Orofacial pain attributed to lesion or disease of the cranial nerves
- Orofacial pains resembling presentations of primary headaches
- Idiopathic orofacial pain
Evaluation includes: comprehensive history (onset, duration, character, aggravating/relieving factors), cranial nerve examination, palpation of masticatory and cervical musculature, TMJ auscultation and range-of-motion assessment, and imaging as indicated (panoramic radiography, cone-beam CT, MRI).
Management
Management is condition-specific and may include behavioral modification, physical therapy referral, intraoral orthotic appliances, pharmacological management as indicated by diagnosis, and referral to neurology, otolaryngology, or oral and maxillofacial surgery when indicated. Treatment plans are individualized based on diagnostic findings and coordinated with referring physicians when applicable.
Related Conditions
Patients are seen at the West Hills office from Los Angeles County, Ventura County, West Hills, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Sherman Oaks & Encino, Northridge & Chatsworth, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills & Westlake Village.
