Learn More About Common
Orofacial Pain Conditions

Orofacial pain is pain felt in the face, mouth, or jaw and the structures that support them. It may originate from the muscles, jaw joints, nerves, teeth, or soft tissues and can appear abruptly or progress gradually. Many patients experience overlapping symptoms such as headaches, jaw problems, sleep-related breathing issues, or nerve pain.

Many people are surprised to learn that symptoms often labeled as “TMJ” are not caused by a single condition. Facial and jaw pain can have multiple underlying sources, and similar symptoms may arise from very different problems involving muscles, joints, nerves, or the nervous system itself. Because of this overlap, accurate diagnosis is essential before any treatment is recommended.

A careful evaluation by an orofacial pain specialist focuses on identifying the true source of pain rather than simply treating symptoms. This approach allows treatment to be conservative, targeted, and individualized—helping patients improve function, reduce pain, and avoid unnecessary or irreversible procedures.

By clicking on the boxes to the right and below, you’ll find information on some of the most common causes of facial, jaw, and head pain. Select a topic to learn more about how each condition is diagnosed and managed.