Myofascial Pain Evaluation
Myofascial Pain Evaluation is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Expert Treatment for Myofascial Pain of the Jaw, Face, and Head
Many of our patients felt uncertain before their first visit. After their consultation, most say they wish they’d come in sooner.
The Pain in Your Face and Head May Be Coming from Your Jaw Muscles
Myofascial pain is the most common subtype of temporomandibular disorder, yet it is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed. Patients with myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles experience chronic, dull, aching pain in the jaw, cheek, temple, forehead, and sometimes neck and shoulder. The pain can mimic sinusitis, ear infection, tension headache, migraine, or even toothache — leading many patients through a frustrating cycle of ENT visits, neurologist appointments, unnecessary dental work, and medications that do not address the actual source. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we recognize myofascial pain patterns and treat them with targeted, evidence-based therapies.
Myofascial pain originates from trigger points — hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle that produce localized pain and, crucially, referred pain to distant areas. A trigger point in the masseter muscle can refer pain to the ear and lower teeth. A trigger point in the temporalis can refer pain to the temple and upper teeth. A trigger point in the medial pterygoid can refer pain deep into the ear and behind the eye. Understanding these referral patterns is essential for accurate diagnosis — without it, clinicians chase the referred pain and miss the source entirely.
Our treatment approach for myofascial pain is multimodal. We use splint therapy to reduce nocturnal muscle loading, Botox injections to relax hyperactive muscles and deactivate trigger points, manual trigger point therapy, physical therapy referral for postural correction and home exercise programs, pharmacologic management with muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory agents, and stress management counseling. The combination of these approaches, tailored to your specific trigger points and contributing factors, produces significantly better outcomes than any single treatment modality.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points: The Research
Research by Travell and Simons established that masticatory myofascial pain involves trigger points in the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, and digastric muscles, with predictable referred pain patterns that can mimic dental, auricular, and cephalic pathology. A study in the Journal of Oral and Facial Pain and Headache found that 42% of patients diagnosed with chronic sinusitis by ENT physicians actually had myofascial pain of the masseter or lateral pterygoid as the primary pain source. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that multimodal treatment — combining splint therapy, trigger point therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral modification — reduces myofascial pain scores by 60 to 75 percent at six months.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Dr. Ostovar and Dr. Gvozden approach myofascial pain with complementary expertise. Dr. Ostovar designs splints that address the occlusal triggers of masticatory muscle overactivation and manages the behavioral and mechanical components. Dr. Gvozden provides Botox injections guided by precise anatomic knowledge of the masticatory muscles. Together, they coordinate a multimodal treatment plan that addresses muscle, joint, and occlusal factors simultaneously.
I believe in being straightforward: myofascial pain evaluation has excellent outcomes for most patients, but results can vary depending on your specific situation. There are no guarantees in dentistry, and I’d rather set realistic expectations than overpromise.
Your Myofascial Pain Evaluation Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive myofascial pain evaluation evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your myofascial pain evaluation options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
From Dr. Ostovar: Don’t Wait — Call Now
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from myofascial pain evaluation are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Dental emergencies get worse with time, not better. If you’re reading this page because you’re in pain right now, stop reading and call us at (503) 822-0096. We hold emergency slots every single day — including weekends. My front desk team knows to prioritize emergency calls.
I’ve seen patients wait days with a dental abscess because they thought it would resolve on its own. It won’t. An untreated dental infection can spread to the airway, the bloodstream, or the brain. That’s not meant to scare you — it’s meant to motivate you to pick up the phone.
We have IV sedation, 3D imaging, and a full surgical suite available for emergency cases. Whether it’s a cracked tooth that needs a crown, an abscess that needs drainage, or a knocked-out tooth that needs reimplantation — we can handle it in one visit.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS | Emergency Dentistry, Beaverton, OR
Who is a good candidate? Most patients in good general health qualify for myofascial pain evaluation. We evaluate your specific situation — including medical history, current medications, and dental condition — during a thorough consultation with CBCT 3D imaging. Factors like uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, or active infections may require management before proceeding.
What are the risks? As with any dental procedure, potential risks include temporary discomfort, minor swelling, and in rare cases, infection. Serious complications are uncommon when treatment is performed by experienced specialists using proper protocols. We use 3D imaging and sterile technique to minimize risk, and we discuss all potential outcomes with you before starting treatment.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain is chronic muscle pain caused by trigger points — hyperirritable knots within muscle fibers. In the jaw and face, it affects the muscles of mastication and produces pain in the jaw, cheek, temple, ear, and even teeth. It is the most common type of TMD.
How do I know if my pain is myofascial rather than from a tooth?
Myofascial pain is typically a dull, constant ache that varies with muscle use and stress. Dental pain is usually sharp, localized, and provoked by specific stimuli (hot, cold, biting). We perform systematic testing to differentiate the two — this distinction is critical to avoid unnecessary dental treatment.
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are small, highly sensitive spots within a taut band of muscle fiber. When pressed, they produce localized pain and refer pain to predictable distant locations. In the jaw muscles, trigger points can produce pain that feels like toothache, earache, sinus pressure, or headache.
Can myofascial pain cause ear symptoms?
Yes. Trigger points in the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscles commonly refer pain into the ear, producing ear pain, ear fullness, and even tinnitus (ringing). Many patients see an ENT for these symptoms before the myofascial source is identified.
What triggers myofascial pain flares?
Common triggers include stress, poor sleep, caffeine, prolonged jaw activities (chewing gum, singing, long dental appointments), poor posture (forward head position), and cold weather. Identifying and managing your specific triggers is an important part of treatment.
How is myofascial pain treated?
We use a multimodal approach: custom splint therapy, Botox injections into affected muscles, trigger point manual therapy, physical therapy referral, muscle relaxant medication when indicated, stress management, and home exercise programs. The combination is more effective than any single treatment.
Will physical therapy help my myofascial pain?
Physical therapy is one of the most effective components of myofascial pain treatment. A therapist skilled in TMJ and cervical rehabilitation can perform trigger point release, teach posture correction, provide jaw exercises, and address cervical spine contributions. We refer to specialists with TMJ expertise.
Can Botox help with myofascial pain?
Yes. Botox reduces muscle hyperactivity and can deactivate trigger points. It is particularly effective for the masseter and temporalis muscles. Studies show 50 to 70 percent pain reduction with targeted Botox injections for masticatory myofascial pain.
How long does myofascial pain treatment take?
Initial improvement is typically seen within two to four weeks of starting splint therapy and/or Botox. Comprehensive treatment over three to six months produces the most lasting results. Some patients need ongoing maintenance with periodic Botox and continued splint wear.
Is myofascial pain a permanent condition?
Myofascial pain can be effectively managed and significantly reduced with proper treatment. Many patients achieve long-term remission. However, triggers like stress and bruxism can cause recurrences, so ongoing self-management strategies and periodic check-ups are recommended.
Can poor posture cause myofascial jaw pain?
Yes. Forward head posture — common in people who work at computers — increases strain on the cervical and masticatory muscles, contributing to trigger point development. Postural correction is a recognized component of myofascial pain management.
What medications help with myofascial pain?
Muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), low-dose tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), NSAIDs, and topical analgesics can all contribute to symptom management. We prescribe medications as adjuncts to splint therapy and physical therapy, not as standalone treatment.
Why was my toothache actually myofascial pain?
Trigger points in the masseter refer pain to lower molars, and trigger points in the temporalis refer pain to upper premolars and molars. This referred pain can be intense enough to feel exactly like a toothache — including sensitivity to biting. Without systematic muscle examination, the tooth is blamed incorrectly.
How much does myofascial pain treatment cost?
The comprehensive evaluation is $300 to $500. Splint therapy ranges from $800 to $2,000. Botox is $400 to $800 per session. Physical therapy is typically covered by medical insurance with a co-pay. We develop a treatment plan that fits your severity and budget.
Can I do anything at home to help my myofascial pain?
Yes. Moist heat application for 15 minutes twice daily, gentle jaw stretching exercises, self-massage of tender jaw muscles, stress management, avoiding gum and hard foods, maintaining good posture, and getting adequate sleep all contribute to symptom management. We provide a detailed home care protocol.
Chronic Jaw and Facial Pain? It May Be Myofascial — Call (503) 822-0096 for Answers
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026