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.

Request an Appointment

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More about Dr.Gabriel

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

A Word From Our Patients

    
 
 
         
   Mohamed Attia 
 10 November 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great doctor and team. Feeling much better! My TMJ pain is gone and I’m able to eat again!
  
 
        
   Gissele Gajate Garrido 
 10 November 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I feel very lucky that I got to be treated by Dr. Carol Gabriel, who has helped me to manage my pain when I thought there was no more hope. I started feeling pain in my upper right jaw in March and assumed it was a dental issue. I had cracked my last molar just at the edge with the other molar. I assumed that dental care would take care of that. Yet after several visits to the dentist, two root canals and an emergency tooth surgery, the pain kept increasing to a point of rendering me unable to perform my daily activities. Finally, by July I got referred to Dr. Gabriel whose thorough and knowledgeable approach was a breath of fresh air. She took a multi disciplinary approach and tackled the several issues I had. I am still going through treatment but I feel hopeful and excited for a pain free future.
  
 
        
   Susan Folwell 
 10 November 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and extremely thorough assessment of my TMD.  Dr. Gabriel and her staff put me at ease right away and explained the process every step of the way.
  
 
        
   Margaret Currier 
 15 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Gabriel and her staff are wonderful. Each one very professional at her particular job in the clinic. And Dr Gabriel is so knowledgeable about TMJ!!! So glad my dentist referred her…
  
 
        
   jen brown 
 13 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After dealing with TMJ pain since the early 90s and having surgery in 1998 the treatment here is the first time I’ve ever felt any relief. The examination, treatment, and experience of Dr. Gabriel is amazing. Dr Gabriel and the staff are patient, kind and listens before making decisions and recommendations. I highly recommend this to anyone who thinks they’ve tried everything.
  
 
        
   Charlotte Feldman-Jacobs 
 30 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful staff and Dr Gabriel is so skilled and reassuring.  Very glad I was referred to her by my dentist.
  
 
        
   Lynn Farrey, DDS 
 25 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Gabriel is our go-to for facial pain and TMJ-related concerns. She has been an incredible resource for our practice and has helped so many of our patients find relief. We truly appreciate her expertise, compassionate approach, and dedication to patient care. We highly recommend Dr. Gabriel!
  
 
        
   Jaclyn Johnson 
 22 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Gabrielle is a wonderful doctor who help me create a clear and personalized care plan after dental work left me unable to open my mouth and triggered a massive TMJ episode. I really appreciate her insight and her treatment plan got me back to a pain free state!
  
 
        
   Saba Jalil 
 20 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m so grateful for the care I’ve received from Dr. Carol Gabriel. I was dealing with terrible muscle spasms and she really took the time to listen, understand what I was going through, and find a treatment that helped. My spasms are now under control, and I’m finally feeling so much better. She is kind, knowledgeable, and truly cares about her patients. I can’t thank her enough for the difference she has made for me. I highly recommend her!