A Collaborative Approach to Facial Pain Management: Bridging Wellness

By: Dr Bradley Eli, Director Facial Pain Specialists

Living with facial pain can be a daunting experience, but you don’t have to navigate it alone with collaborative facial pain management in place.

As a dedicated facial pain specialists, our primary goal is to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated care. Here’s how Facial Pain Specialists work closely with your primary dentist, primary care physician, and other specialists to provide the best possible outcomes.

Table of Contents

• A Collaborative Approach to Facial Pain Management
• Does my dentist know about Orofacial Pain Specialists?
• How Does a Facial Pain Specialist Collaborate with My Primary Dentist?
• Do Facial Pain Specialists Share Medical Records and Care with Primary Care Physicians?
• How Do Facial Pain Specialists Collaborate When Surgical Procedures are Required by a Maxillofacial Surgeon?
• How Do Facial Pain Providers Coordinate Care with an ENT Specialist?
• SUMMARY: Interprofessional Education and Collaborative practice for Managing Facial Pain

We’ll start by answering key questions about Collaborative Facial Pain Management.

Does my dentist know about Orofacial Pain Specialists?

Today, more dentists are aware of this new specialty and that they may refer patients to an orofacial pain specialist (OPS). Orofacial pain is a general, over-arching term that describes pain and dysfunction in the head and neck region. A dentist may initially identify that your jaw pain isn’t caused by or related to a tooth problem. orofacial pain specialist (OPSs) are typically licensed dentists specializing in diagnosing, managing, and treating disorders that cause mouth, jaw, head, neck, and face pain issues.

Orofacial pain specialists are trained to explore alternative causes of pain, such as:

• Bruxism (grinding of teeth).
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ).
• Muscular tensing due to psychosocial stressors.
• Headaches.
• Sleep Disorders.

Dentists can inadvertently cause TMJ pain with outdated technologies and a lack of specialty training. When it comes to jaw joint and facial muscle pain, anatomy is taught in dental school but not physiology. Today, with the right approach, an evidence-based TMJ treatment plan can be more easily achieved. Our approach is not just to get the needed work, for example, TMJ treatment, done quickly but to help the patient get help and pain relief comfortably.

Knowing that local anesthetic is toxic to muscle tissue, a jaw specialist understands what the patient is going through and can better avoid post-operative discomfort.

This joint jaw pain after a dental injection may likely be triggered by muscle injury combined with strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding structures. Additionally, sustained jaw opening at the dentist, or an oral surgical procedure can cause muscle strain and fatigue, resulting in jaw and facial pain.

How Does a Facial Pain Specialist Collaborate with My Primary Dentist?

Collaboration with Your Primary Dentist

Facial pain often intersects with dental health, and that’s why fostering a strong relationship with your primary dentist is crucial. We begin with open communication and a thorough exchange of patient information. Your dentist may review your dental history, x-rays, and any relevant findings that might contribute to your facial pain with us. Together, we develop a treatment plan that might include dental interventions, medications, or other therapies.

Consultation report and updates ensure we’re on the same page, providing a unified approach to your care. This partnership is designed to catch potential issues early and address them promptly, avoiding unnecessary discomfort associated with continued dental care.

Do Facial Pain Specialists Share Medical Records and Care with Primary Care Physicians?

Coordination of Medical Records and Care with Your Primary Care Physician

Your primary care physician (PCP) plays a central role in your overall health. When it comes to facial pain, a multidisciplinary approach often yields the best results. Our team of experts coordinate closely with your PCP by regularly updating them on your treatment progress, discussing any new symptoms, and ensuring they have access to all relevant medical records.

We engage in periodic case reviews to assess your overall health and how it may be impacting your facial pain. This comprehensive view allows for adjustments in treatment plans, ensuring we address not just the symptoms but the root causes of your pain. By keeping your PCP in the loop, we ensure a holistic approach to your wellness.

How Do Facial Pain Specialists Collaborate When Surgical Procedures are Required by a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Coordination When Surgical Procedures are Required by a Maxillofacial Surgeon

There are times when surgical intervention by a maxillofacial surgeon is necessary. In such cases, seamless coordination is key to ensuring a smooth surgical experience and recovery. I work closely with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, the specifics of your condition and the anticipated outcomes.

Pre-surgery, addressing any concerns and explaining the process. Post-surgery, we continue to monitor your recovery, adjusting treatments as needed, and ensuring clear lines of communication with the surgical team. This integrated approach minimizes risks and promotes a faster, more effective recovery.

How Do Facial Pain Providers Coordinate Care with an ENT Specialist?

Coordinating Care with an ENT Specialist

Facial pain can sometimes be linked to issues within the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). When this is the case, our facial pain providers collaborate with ENT specialists to provide a detailed assessment of your condition. We share medical records, diagnostic results, and any pertinent information to develop a cohesive treatment strategy.

Together, we explore various treatment options, from medications to potential surgical interventions, ensuring that every aspect of your care is meticulously planned and executed. Follow-up appointments are coordinated to monitor your progress, making adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes. The National Institute of Health published a July, 2022 article talks about a cycle of provider referrals that need to move from what is being followed to what must be followed.

“Orofacial pain is not discipline specific and that dentists are often the first point of contact by the patients; hence, it is time for dentists to understand and acknowledge the necessity to update their knowledge also in the areas of anatomy, physiology, neurology, and psychology, so that an accurate diagnosis is being made and an appropriate treatment plan is designed for those individuals suffering from orofacial pain. It is important to have Interprofessional team as a strategy to manage orofacial pain.” – Interprofessional Management of Orofacial Pain: Wearing Many Hats!

For patients asking about costs, “Many TMJ patients can be treated by orofacial pain specialists for a few thousand dollars”, according to Brett Kelman on Fortune Well. The How out-of-pocket TMJ costs drive patients into debt July 17, 2024, article quotes Tony Schwartz, president of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. He made a statement that the specialty is still needing widespread acceptance from some dentists.

The typical person’s journey to diagnosing and getting facial pain treatment often begins with confusion as to where to gain a thorough diagnosis that pinpoints the root cause.

SUMMARY: Interprofessional Education and Collaborative practice for Managing Facial Pain

At Facial Pain Specialists, providers at each location are highly specialized in treating chronic facial pain conditions.

Your journey through managing facial pain is supported by a dedicated team of professionals, all working together to provide you with the best care possible. Open communication, coordinated efforts, and a holistic approach are the pillars of effective pain management.

Remember, you’re never alone in this; we’re here to help every step of the way.