The following guidance is intended to help referring providers identify patients who are likely to benefit from an orofacial pain or dental sleep medicine evaluation. When in doubt, we welcome a provider-to-provider conversation before a formal referral.

For Dentists

  • Patients with jaw pain, limited mouth opening, or joint sounds that are not resolving with standard dental care
  • Patients with significant tooth wear from bruxism, particularly when accompanied by pain or headache
  • Patients with chronic facial pain, tooth pain, or jaw symptoms following dental procedures when dental pathology has been ruled out
  • Patients who report ear pain, tinnitus, or facial pressure in the absence of dental findings
  • Patients who have failed or poorly tolerated CPAP and are candidates for oral appliance therapy
  • Patients with suspected burning mouth syndrome or soft tissue pain without identifiable oral pathology
  • Any patient in whom a neuropathic pain condition is suspected

For Primary Care Physicians

  • Patients with chronic facial pain, jaw pain, or head and neck pain that has not responded to standard management
  • Patients with frequent headaches that may have a musculoskeletal component
  • Patients with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea who have failed or are intolerant of CPAP
  • Patients with significant snoring or suspected upper airway resistance syndrome
  • Patients with complex chronic pain conditions involving the face, head, or neck
  • Patients with suspected burning mouth syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, or other cranial nerve pain
  • Post-traumatic patients with facial nerve symptoms following injury or surgery

For ENT / Otolaryngologists

  • Patients with ear fullness, otalgia, or tinnitus in whom otologic pathology has been excluded
  • Patients with facial pain not attributable to sinus, salivary gland, or other otolaryngologic pathology
  • Patients with sleep-disordered breathing who are CPAP-intolerant or prefer an oral appliance
  • Patients with suspected upper airway resistance syndrome or primary snoring
  • Patients with jaw symptoms following neck dissection or other head and neck surgery

For Sleep Physicians & Pulmonologists

  • Patients with OSA who have failed, refused, or have a contraindication to CPAP
  • Patients with OSA who prefer oral appliance therapy as a primary treatment
  • Patients with positional OSA who may benefit from a combined oral appliance and behavioral approach
  • Patients with OSA and comorbid TMD, jaw pain, or bruxism requiring coordinated management
  • Patients with primary snoring or upper airway resistance syndrome for oral appliance evaluation

For Neurologists

  • Patients with facial pain that does not fit a classic trigeminal neuralgia pattern and may represent a TMD or neuropathic pain condition
  • Patients with headache and suspected jaw, muscle, or cervical musculoskeletal contributions
  • Patients with oromandibular dystonia or other oral movement disorders
  • Post-traumatic patients with trigeminal nerve symptoms following facial or dental trauma
  • Patients with burning mouth syndrome for co-management

Unsure Whether to Refer?

We are happy to discuss complex cases before a formal referral.

Call 414-476-9400.