Orofacial Pain and TMJ Disorders: How Future Dental in Cairns Can Help

Orofacial pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency dental visits, second only to toothaches. Yet, many patients suffer from chronic discomfort for years without an accurate diagnosis or effective treatment. At Future Dental in Cairns, we specialise in diagnosing and managing orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), helping you regain comfort and quality of life.

What Is Orofacial Pain?

Orofacial pain refers to discomfort felt in the face, mouth, jaws, or head. It can stem from various causes, including muscle tension, joint disorders, nerve issues, and bite imbalances. Some patients may have spent years searching for answers, visiting multiple medical specialists without relief.

At Future Dental, we take a comprehensive approach to uncovering the root cause of your pain and creating a personalised treatment plan.

Common Causes of Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain can arise from multiple factors, including:

• Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction (MPD) – Muscle-related pain often felt in different areas than the source.
• Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) – Issues affecting the jaw joint, including inflammation and internal derangement.
• Bite Imbalances (Occlusal Disharmony) – Uneven bite forces lead to discomfort and tension.
• Neuralgias and Nerve Pain – Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia causing facial burning, tingling, or shooting pain.
• Headaches and Neck Pain – Chronic tension headaches and cervicogenic pain linked to jaw and facial muscles.
• Other Symptoms – Ear pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and jaw joint clicking or locking.

TMJ Disorders: What You Need to Know

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints or the surrounding muscles are affected, it can lead to jaw pain, clicking, limited movement, and discomfort while chewing.

Common TMJ conditions include:

• Joint Inflammation (Capsulitis) – Swelling and irritation of the joint capsule.
• Disc Displacement – The cartilage disc inside the joint moves out of place, often causing clicking or locking.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding & Clenching) – A major cause of muscle strain and joint stress.

How Future Dental Can Help: Orofacial Pain Treatments in Cairns

At Future Dental, we offer a range of evidence-based orofacial pain management and TMJ treatments to help relieve discomfort and restore function.

TMJ Pain – We focus on understanding and treating the root causes of your TMJ pain for lasting relief.

Occlusal Splint Therapy – Custom-made splints to alleviate joint pressure and muscle tension.

Occlusal Therapy & Migraine Treatment – Correcting bite imbalances and managing related migraine discomfort.

Neuropathic Pain – Tailored treatments to address nerve-related pain, ensuring comprehensive pain relief. If we determine that there is a likelihood of neuropathic/neurogenic pain, we will promptly refer you to the appropriate Neurologist.

For some cases, orthodontic treatment may also be recommended to correct bite disturbances and prevent future discomfort.

Take Control of Orofacial Pain with Future Dental in Cairns

If you’re struggling with chronic jaw pain, headaches, or facial discomfort, the team at Future Dental is here to help. Our comprehensive approach ensures you receive the right diagnosis and treatment for long-term relief.