Orofacial Pain Treatment

Smile Makers Dental Center is proud to introduce Dr. Rashmi Kolichala, DMD—an accomplished general dentist who specializes in treating orofacial pain, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), and sleep apnea. Through a specialized blend of modern science and empathetic care, Dr. Kolichala and our entire Tysons, VA team are devoted to navigating the intricate pathways of orofacial pains and disorders, ensuring your journey toward a pain-free life is accompanied by experts who make a difference.

What is Orofacial Pain?

Orofacial pain refers to any pain felt in the mouth, jaws, and face. This pain can stem from a variety of causes, making its proper diagnosis and management both intricate and multidimensional. It’s a complex physical condition that can impact not only the region in which it’s located but can also have cascading effects on the overall health and well-being of an individual. It’s often associated with headaches, neck pain, ear pain, and other symptoms that may initially appear unrelated.

Diagnosis & Management of Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain can profoundly impact the quality of life, making daily activities like eating, speaking, and sleeping a challenge. Dr. Kolichala, with her immense expertise, delves deep into diagnosing the root causes of pain through comprehensive evaluations. Employing patient discussions, clinical examinations, and advanced imaging studies like x-rays, she illuminates the pathway toward managing and eliminating the orofacial pain you experience.

Tailored Pain Management Strategies

Our practice is dedicated to crafting individualized pain management plans, ensuring that each therapeutic step aligns seamlessly with your specific condition. Ranging from meticulous medications to therapeutic procedures, Dr. Kolichala’s approaches to managing pain are rooted in a precise understanding of your diagnosis and holistic health. Below, you will find a number of the conditions she specializes in.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. Disorders that affect this joint, collectively referred to as TMD, can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. Dr. Rashmi Kolichala, through her extensive experience, identifies the underlying issues and creates suitable treatment plans for individuals suffering from TMD.

TMD may manifest with various symptoms such as pain while chewing, jaw joint locking, and discomfort often extending to the neck and shoulders. Management strategies may involve pain relief through pharmacological means, the use of oral devices, and sometimes even corrective procedures. Dr. Kolichala takes a patient-centric approach, employing non-invasive techniques wherever possible, ensuring that each patient receives attentive and non-aggressive treatment.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain refers to pain caused by damage or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. In the orofacial region, it can manifest as continuous burning, tingling, or numbness. Dr. Kolichala, utilizing her specialization in orofacial pain, employs evidence-based practices to manage neuropathic pains effectively and empathetically.