Orofacial pain describes discomfort affecting the face, jaw, mouth, or nearby structures. Causes can range from straightforward dental issues, like cavities or gum disease to more complex conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) / TMJ, nerve-related pain, or stress-induced muscle tension. Because symptoms often overlap with other medical or dental problems, accurate diagnosis requires a careful and comprehensive approach.

Dr. Tejal A. Kakade and her dental team in Carrollton, GA provide advanced orofacial pain diagnosis for patients in Carrollton, Villa Rica, and surrounding West Georgia communities. Her thorough, patient-focused process is designed to uncover the true source of your discomfort so treatment can address not just the symptoms, but the underlying cause.

Diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion about your medical and dental history, including:

• Location, duration, and intensity of the pain
• Triggers and relief factors
• Whether the discomfort is sharp, dull, throbbing, or intermittent
• Lifestyle habits such as teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Past dental treatments or injuries that could contribute to the issue

Physical Examination

A careful examination of your jaw, teeth, gums, and surrounding muscles follows. This may include:

• Palpating jaw muscles to check for tenderness or swelling
• Assessing jaw alignment and range of motion
• Observing for signs of TMJ dysfunction or muscle tension

The Stress Connection

In many cases, stress contributes to or worsens orofacial pain. People under chronic stress may clench their jaw or grind their teeth,especially during sleep, putting excess strain on muscles and joints.

Orofacial pain is one of the leading reasons people seek dental care, but it’s not always tooth-related. Muscle tension, nerve irritation, or even posture can trigger facial pain. Identifying these non-dental factors is key to creating an effective treatment plan.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

If more information is needed, Dr. Kakade may recommend digital X-rays, CT scans, or MRI imaging to examine teeth, bones, joints, and soft tissues. These images can detect:

• TMJ abnormalities
• Tooth infections or abscesses
• Bone damage or degeneration

Dr. Tejal Kakade’s Approach to Orofacial Pain

With extensive experience in diagnosing facial and jaw discomfort, Dr. Kakade combines clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic technology to create precise, personalized treatment plans. Depending on the cause of your pain, recommendations may include:

• Nightguards to prevent grinding or clenching
• Physical therapy for jaw muscles
• Botox therapy to relax overworked muscles
• Medication to manage inflammation or nerve sensitivity
• Lifestyle guidance to reduce triggers and prevent recurrence

Her ultimate goal is to relieve your discomfort, restore function, and provide long-term improvement in your quality of life.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or other facial discomfort, contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Kakade.