Neurosensory Stents

Neurosensory stents are custom-fabricated intraoral appliances designed to offload irritated nerves, reduce abnormal jaw movements, and relieve neuropathic orofacial pain.

They are especially helpful in managing conditions like post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN), oromandibular dyskinesia, burning mouth syndrome, or nerve hypersensitivity following dental procedures or trauma.

At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we use neurosensory stents as part of a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to stabilize the jaw, protect inflamed tissues, and improve neurosensory recovery.

What are neurosensory stents?

Neurosensory stents for nerve pain and oromandibular dyskinesia

Neurosensory stents are specialized intraoral devices used in the management of neuropathic orofacial pain, including Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (PTTN), and Oromandibular Dyskinesia (OMD). These custom-fabricated stents provide neurosensory deafferentation or modulation, reducing abnormal nerve firing or irritation.

Mechanism of Action:

They alter the tactile and proprioceptive input to the trigeminal system, helping reset or modulate aberrant peripheral or central sensitization.
In PTTN or BMS, they provide protection from external mechanical triggers (e.g., teeth contact), reducing allodynia or hyperesthesia.
In OMD, they may provide sensory feedback and stabilization of mandibular movements, reducing involuntary jaw motion.

Indications:

Neuropathic pain localized to oral mucosa or alveolar ridge (e.g., post-extraction nerve injury)
Burning Mouth Syndrome (especially if localized to the tongue or palate)
Oromandibular Dyskinesia or Movement Disorders
Phantom tooth pain (atypical odontalgia)

Clinical Evidence:

Case reports and pilot studies suggest improvement in pain scores and oral discomfort in patients with BMS and idiopathic oral pain using stents.
A 2020 study in Journal of Oral Rehabilitation noted significant improvement in pain and function in PTTN patients using customized intraoral stents in conjunction with pharmacologic therapy.
Considered an adjunct to medical management—especially in patients poorly responsive to systemic neuropathic medications.

Advantages:

Non-invasive and reversible
Can be tailored to specific intraoral regions
Useful when patients are averse to systemic drug therapy or have side effect limitations

Limitations: