NOVA OROFACIAL PAIN

Providing High Quality Care for TMD & Dental Sleep Medicine

Our Mission

We strive to achieve the highest quality of care for patients with TMD, orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine conditions. This involves an interdisciplinary team to help patients achieve their highest level of jaw function and movement, while reducing orofacial pain and utilizing state-of-the-art treatment techniques.

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Serving the DC Metro Area

We’re always happy to accept new patients, and welcome patients from out of state and from out of the country.
If you are looking for Orofacial Pain Management, we are here for you!

Our Services

Orofacial Pain Management

We provide care to patients with TMJ (temporomandibular joint), jaw, head, and/or neck pain disorders, including clicking, locking of the TMJ, difficulty using the jaw and atypical toothaches.

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Dental Sleep Medicine

Dental Sleep Medicine involves the use of oral appliances for the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders (SBD) such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

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TMD Treatment

A collective term embracing a number of clinical problems that involve the masticatory musculature, the TMJ or both. TMD includes head, and/or neck pain disorders, clicking, locking of the TMJ, difficulty using the jaw and atypical toothaches.

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Neuropathic Pain

Dysfunction of the nervous system, like neuropathic pain conditions, it originates from abnormalities in neural structures. Neuropathic pain is burning, spontaneous, triggered, ongoing, and is often accompanied by other neurologic signs.

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Did you know?

We are an ADA Recognized Specialty

On March 31, 2020, Orofacial Pain became the 12th ADA recognized specialty. The specialty of Orofacial Pain is dedicated to the evidenced-based understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of these disorders and improving access to interdisciplinary patient care.

Press Release

Meet Dr. Carol Gabriel

DDS, DABOP, FAAOP

Board Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist
Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain

She trained extensively in a 2-year Orofacial Pain Residency program and managed thousands of patients. She is skilled in managing atypical facial pain, Neuropathic Pain Disorders, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and TMD.

Her goal as an Orofacial Pain/Sleep Medicine specialist is to serve her community by providing the highest quality dental care possible. Dr. Gabriel believes in treating her patients like they are family, and strives to listen to their needs and treat them with compassion, honesty and skill. She enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients and their families.

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“I believe in a multidisciplinary approach and work closely with physical therapists, neurologists, psychotherapists, dentists, and pain management.”

A Word From Our Patients

    
 
 
         
   Lindsey Resnik 
 20 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started seeing Dr. Gabriel in 2023 when my jaw pain and migraines had reached a debilitating point. She was my last ditch attempt at finding relief as other doctors had no other ideas. It has been a long road but she never gave up on me and has been extremely kind and caring the entire time. She has always advocated for me and collaborated with my other doctors and physical therapist. I can’t recommend her and her team enough! I’m eternally grateful to be in her care.
  
 
        
   Landon Sorensen 
 17 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve lived the past 20 years and thanks to Dr.  Gabriel I am pain free! Her approach to combine different therapies has worked since my first visit. She and her staff are so helpful and supportive. I would give 100 stars if I could!
  
 
        
   Judith Suthar 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The entire experience has been very pleasant.  I wholeheartedly recommend this practice!
  
 
        
   Carmen Raventos-Suarez 
 11 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and comfortable interaction with everyone The doctor explain carefully the advantages of using the device, their control over use and the 3year coverage for optimal use It was really a pleasure to interact with everybody that took care of me
  
 
        
   Jeffrey Sargent 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Today was my first visit the office of Dr Carol Gabriel at NOVA Orofacial Pain. I rarely do reviews, but I was so impressed with this office, the doctor, and the staff, that I felt compelled to review. Prior to my first appointment, staff were thorough in explaining the intake process and information they needed to evaluate and treat me. Upon arrival at the office for the first time, the staff was cordial, professional, and very helpful. After completing my paperwork, I was promptly taken to an exam room. The assistants were courteous and explained what would be done during my visit and prepared me for the doctor by methodically and thoroughly going through my medical history. Dr Gabriel asked detailed questions about my symptoms, other medical conditions, previous orofacial consultations and asked about expectations. She talked with me in detail about my X-rays, explaining the changes since my previous X-rays done five years prior. She explained how the X-rays showed significant change and discussed treatment options and recommendations for lifestyle changes. This was the most detailed and helpful medical consultation I have ever had, and I feel very good about the journey I have begun with this practice to improve my maxillofacial health.
  
 
        
   Ryan Reynolds 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience. Amazing professionalism and a willingness to make you feel heard.
  
 
        
   Lauren Pomeroy 
 26 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Gabriel and her staff are wonderful. I’ve had persistent TMJ pain for years and Dr Gabriel has provided me with so much relief! If you are experiencing facial pain I urge you to see her practice. She is incredibly knowledgeable in her field and is an absolute pro at what she’s does!