Craniofacial Pain Center
In the Division of Craniofacial Pain, we are devoted to the diagnosis and management of chronic head, neck, and facial pain. As one of the largest centers of its kind in the United States, we incorporate true multidisciplinary approaches to the treatment of complex pain problems. Patients from the New England area and beyond are referred to our Craniofacial Pain Center from primary care physicians, dentists, neurologists, ENTs for a variety of symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, ear pain, jaw sounds and dysfunction, neck pain and more. The Center also provides dental management of obstructive sleep apnea.
New patients receive an extensive evaluation from one of our orofacial pain specialists. Once a diagnosis is determined, the doctor will discuss treatment plan options with the patient. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this field, patient might receive additional referrals to other providers as part of the treatment plan. The Center has established connection with a broad range of specialists in the Boston area and beyond.
The Craniofacial Pain Center is home to the CODA accredited Advanced Education in Orofacial Pain of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. As a teaching institution patients should expect to interact with orofacial pain residents.
Conditions treated
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) also known as “TMJ”
- Primary headache disorders (tension-type headaches, migraine and others)
- Trigeminal nerve pain (trigeminal neuralgia and others)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Other causes of face, head and neck pain
Treatments provided
Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their diagnosis, contributing factors and individual needs. Patients should not expect to receive a specific treatment before an extensive initial evaluation is performed and a diagnosis is established.
Here some of the treatments we provide
- Oral appliance therapy
- Therapeutic injections (local anesthetic, Botox)
- Pharmacotherapy
- Counseling (education and self-care)
- Referral to other providers as needed
- Dental sleep appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea