Specialized Services

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The Orofacial Pain Center at UCSF Medical Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain. This common condition may cause throbbing, sharp or burning pain in your head, neck, mouth, gums or teeth. It may also cause unexplained or unresolved pain after a dental treatment, such as a root canal, extraction, crown or periodontal treatment.

Orofacial pain also includes musculoskeletal disorders of the jaw, called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These disorders may cause pain in or around your head, face or jaw muscles and jaw joint; popping or grinding sounds with jaw movement; and/or a decreased ability to open or use your jaw normally.

Our center also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic orofacial pain disorders, which are a group of conditions that arises from the brain and nerves of the head, face and neck. These conditions are often chronic and very difficult to diagnose. Many patients suffer from neuropathic pain disorders for years before receiving a definite diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, when properly diagnosed, these conditions can be effectively managed.

We understand that orofacial pain is a significant medical condition that can greatly affect your quality of life. When evaluating and treating each patient, we employ a clinical approach that incorporates the expertise of various specialists. Our team includes dentists specializing in orofacial pain, a radiologist, a physical therapist, a pharmacist, a psychologist and an acupuncturist. We offer both conventional and innovative treatment approaches, including medications, dental treatments, stress management techniques, self-care therapies and acupuncture.

Services

We provide a wide range of services, including:

• Acupuncture
• Consultations with our pharmacist
• Imaging interpretation
• Orthotic therapy, such as night guards
• Patient education and instructions for self-care
• Physical therapy and home exercises
• Relaxation techniques for managing orofacial pain
• Second opinion and independent medical consultations
• Stress management
• Treatment planning for complex dental conditions

More Information

Center for Orofacial Pain
707 Parnassus Ave. D-1050
San Francisco, CA 94143-0768