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pain in the neck ... with Dr Simone Ricketts Orofacial pain is a complex topic having different causes and therefore many different treatments. What is orofacial pain? Orofacial pain is described as pain experienced in any of the following sites: face, sides of head, mouth, jaws, ears or behind the eyes. In addition, orofacial pain includes aching teeth that are not decayed or in poor shape. People often describe orofacial pain as varying in intensity from mild to severe, in the form of a tingling, burning or throbbing sensation. The pain may come and go, or it may be present all the time. This of course impacts on social activities and work. Facial and jaw movements often aggravate the pain. Furthermore, the pain can alternate from one side of the jaw to the other and may affect several teeth at once. Other symptoms may include sore or aching neck muscles, difficulty chewing and talking, migraines or headaches, pain or tenderness of the jaw, clicking of the jaw joint, sleep disorders, and an increased sensitivity to noise, temperature, pressure, or touch on the face or scalp.
What are the causes? The common causes of orofacial pain are jaw muscle pain linked to trauma, inflammation and jaw overuse (which can be temporary or longer lasting). A customised mouth splint and quality remedial massage for orofacial pain can be life changing. Other non-dental medical conditions that may cause orofacial pain include trigeminal neuralgia (symptoms of shooting, stabbing facial pain) and viral infections can also cause facial pain. Bruxism (the excessive grinding or clenching of teeth) also causes orofacial pain, including jaw joint pain and jaw muscle pain, as well as damaging teeth. A customised mouth splint will be a huge help. Cracked tooth syndrome can result from bruxism, trauma or older, large fillings of the teeth. Cracked teeth usually require crowns. Complex large cracks require root canal treatment or extraction. Disease of the gums and / or soft tissues in the mouth can cause orofacial pain.
Referred pain is pain from one area of the body that is felt in a different area of the body and may be some distance from the source of the pain. Some people with heart disease notice an increase in orofacial pain when their heart is working harder, such as when climbing the stairs. Sinusitis, often caused by the common cold, can also refer pain to the mouth, face and teeth. This type of pain will increase when you drop your head down quickly as if to touch your toes. The pain associated with migraines and headaches, and also salivary gland problems, can refer pain to the face, jaw or teeth. Remember that pain is also perceived as being more severe when you are fatigued, feeling depressed or anxious, or have a dietary imbalance. Smile by Design 5443 2888 dentist@smilebydesign.net.au
the year of you with Dr Alison Jamieson This year, more than ever, I am encountering patients who have decided that “this is the year” they are going put themselves first. Having supported, encouraged and cared for family members unconditionally, they are ready to indulge in a little pleasure of their own. The requests have been varied, from simple skin concerns to more in-depth rejuvenation treatment plans. The most common enquiry is how to address facial ageing including wrinkles, dull and tired looking skin and overall texture and tone. Though we welcome the wisdom that comes with age, most of us don’t love what those years do to our skin. When your skin is healthy and glowing, you appear more youthful and as a result you feel more attractive and confident, but maintaining this vitality becomes more of a challenge as the natural changes that come with ageing take place. We all know young skin is smooth and plump, this is because the tissue is well hydrated.
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As we age, the water-retaining properties of our skin begin to decline, and, as a result, it will become drier and thinner and less able to restore itself. This loss of fullness results in looser skin, leading to lines, wrinkles and folds. Gravity then takes its toll, causing a general drooping and sagging of the skin. The good news is that we have far more choices today than we did five or 10 years ago and most concerns can be treated quickly, comfortably and affordably with little or no down time. One of the most effective ways of treating static wrinkles and dehydration is with an injectable dermal filler, which is placed beneath the wrinkle and/or fold to ‘fill in’ or ‘plump up’ the depression. The areas most commonly treated with dermal fillers include frown, smile and lip lines. Injectable dermal fillers can also be used to create volume and a 3D sculpting of the face such as cheekbones, eye rejuvenation, lip augmentation, and nose correction. On the body, hands and
décolletage are commonly treated areas. The injectable dermal filler is a smooth gel made of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body which stabilises the skin structure, attracts and binds water, and contributes to the elastic properties of the skin that allow it to remain tight. Injections of hyaluronic acid into the skin are thought to replenish its natural support structures damaged by ageing. This can help you look years younger – from giving the appearance of a mini-facelift, to smoothing folds and creases – all without the risks associated with surgery. Dermal fillers are administered through a few injections and have a high comfort level due to the advanced pain relief technology now available. COZmedics Medispas – Noosa, Maroochydore, Ascot, Kenmore 1300 792 299 www.cozmedics.com.au
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