Patient care
The Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction section has its own staff clinic. Patients referred to this clinic are placed in a multidisciplinary treatment team consisting of dentists/gnathologists, a physiotherapist and a psychologist; whether or not in collaboration with doctors and specialists.
Education
Dentistry students receive regular education during their studies in the recognition and treatment of muscle, bone and joint complaints (musculoskeletal disorders) of the masticatory system, (sleep-related) oral movement disorders and dental wear. In addition, the section offers graduate dentists a 3-year postgraduate master's programme in dental gnathologists.
Research
In addition to doctoral research and research projects, the section also conducts research on behalf of third parties. The research focuses on: the diagnosis, treatment, causes and/or consequences of musculoskeletal disorders of the masticatory system, (sleep-related) oral movement disorders and dental wear.
Patients
Within the Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction clinic we treat patients with:
- temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD: pain in the cheek and temple area or difficulty moving the lower jaw);
- pain complaints in the orofacial region of non-dentogenic origin, e.g. pain from the nervous system;
- dental sleep medicine, for example: teeth grinding or clenching and sleep apnea;
- severe tooth wear.
Therapeutic Options
There are several therapeutic treatment options for your treatment that the practitioner can choose from, such as:
- advice;
- physiotherapy;
- psychological care;
- bite plate therapy (splint);
- drug therapy;
- Mandibular Reposition Device (MRA) for sleep apnea or snoring;
- restoration of tooth wear.
