Orofacial Pain

Not All Facial Pain Comes From the Jaw Or Teeth. We Help Find the Cause.

At Oral Medicine of Wisconsin, we specialize in diagnosing and managing complex pain conditions affecting the face, mouth, and head, not just the jaw joints. While temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and odontogenic (tooth and gum related) pain are a common source of orofacial pain, many patients suffer from orofacial pain unrelated to either, which is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood.

If you’ve been living with unexplained facial pain, burning sensations, or nerve-related symptoms, you’re not alone — and there are answers.

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WHAT IS OROFACIAL PAIN?

Orofacial pain refers to discomfort arising anywhere in the face, oral cavity, or head region. When it is not caused by dental causes or the temporomandibular joint, it may be due to nerve dysfunction, inflammation, musculoskeletal issues, or even central pain processing disorders.

Common Non-TMD Orofacial Pain Conditions We Treat:

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Sudden, shock-like pain in the face caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP): Ongoing facial pain without a clear anatomical cause, often aching, burning, or throbbing.
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS): A chronic burning sensation in the tongue, lips, or mouth, often without visible changes.
Post-Traumatic Neuropathic Pain: Pain following dental procedures, facial injuries, or surgeries that affect the nerves.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: Rare nerve pain affecting the throat, tonsil area, or ear.
Atypical Odontalgia: Tooth pain without dental disease; often linked to nerve dysfunction.
Neuropathies Associated with Systemic Illness: Pain due to diabetes, autoimmune disease, or infections affecting oral or cranial nerves.

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Our Diagnostic Approach

We take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that combines advanced clinical examination with a deep understanding of oral and neurologic disorders that includes:

Review your detailed pain history
Evaluate cranial nerve function
Use imaging and lab testing where appropriate
Collaborate with neurologists, ENT, and pain specialists when needed

Many patients come to us after months or years of unclear diagnoses or ineffective treatments. We are here to bring clarity and relief.

Personalized Treatment Plans

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for orofacial pain. We develop a tailored plan that may include:

Topical or systemic medications (neuropathic pain agents, anti-inflammatories, etc.)
Nerve blocks or injections for diagnostic or therapeutic relief
Oral appliances when applicable
Referral coordination for advanced care when appropriate