Orofacial pain (OFP) is the most recently recognized and recognized dental specialty according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
Orofacial pain refers to the field of dentistry that focuses on the identification, treatment and management of oral and facial conditions that affect a person’s ability to function normally.
The term orofacial is used to include and represent all structures in and around the mouth and facial region, including the teeth, jaw, TM joint, head, neck, and other facial structures. Orofacial pain (OFP) is the most recently recognized and recognized dental specialty according to the American Dental Association (ADA). OFP as a specialty includes the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck. Orofacial disorders include conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), nerve pain in the face or mouth, muscle pain and problems around the face, head and neck. Orofacial disorders can affect a person’s overall quality of life. This can affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, and breathe normally.
“Orofacial pain specialization refers to the area of dentistry that focuses on the identification, treatment, and management of oral and facial conditions that affect a person’s ability to function normally. Dentists specialized in orofacial physical They use a number of procedures and treatments for their patients including Medicine, Orthodontics, Surgery, Prosthodontics, etc.,” says Dr. Srishti Todi, BDS, Diplomate American Board of Orofacial Pain.
“Specialists can manage these conditions with a variety of treatments which are prescribed on a case to case basis ranging from injections to orthotic splints or night guards to physiotherapy,” says Dr. Todi. Use conjunction.”
how to manage it
Dental sleep medicine is an emerging field in India that focuses on the management of sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring through dental intervention. “Sleep medicine is important in the country because OSA is a very common and serious health problem in India, affecting an estimated 3-7% of the population,” says Dr Todi.
In addition, the general public is becoming more aware of the importance of a good night’s sleep and is starting to realize that snoring is not a sign of healthy sleep. “With increased awareness, patients are increasingly looking for solutions to improve their sleep quality and treat disorders such as sleep apnea and are now consulting experts like us,” Dr Todi said.
Increasing awareness of these issues in the general public regarding oral health as well as the importance of diagnosing and treating these disorders and its impact on overall well-being has resulted in demand for specialized dental care and orofacial pain and sleep medication. is of. Center.
Advanced technology and treatment modalities have increased interest in orofacial pain dentistry as a specialty as dentists are better able to provide specialized care and improve patient outcomes. As more people seek specialized care for oral and facial conditions, the need and demand for skilled orofacial dentists is on the rise and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
“As part of dental treatment for sleep apnea and snoring, oral appliances are created that can help keep the airway open during sleep and provide relief from sleep apnea symptoms. People with injuries to the jaws can also benefit from orofacial pain management. Orofacial pain dentistry helps individuals with TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) by reducing pain levels and making it easier to open the mouth and chew,” Dr. Toddy says.
A large population in India suffers from oral and facial conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), nerve pain and various sleep disorders. , Orofacial expertise is an important area in dentistry and is highly sought after in India due to its critical need, as it helps in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of facial and oral conditions along with the management of sleep disorders.