Clinical Use of Iontophoresis to Treat Facial Pain

Abstract

Iontophoresis is a modality that assists with the entry of certain therapeutic medications into injured sites. Medications, such as anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, and some corticosteroids, when dissolved in water, separate into positive and negative ions. When an electric current is passed through an ionized solution, the ions of these agents carry the electric current from the positive to the negative electrode. The above medications have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of TMD. These agents in liquid form are placed in meditrode pads that are attached to skin or mucosal surface over the sites that are to be treated. The treating (active) meditrodes and a larger ground (dispersive or return) meditrode are attached to an iontophoretic unit by wire leads to form a closed circuit. With iontophoresis, the treating medications can be placed in the target areas in high concentrations.

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Notes on contributors

John S. DuPont

Dr. John S. DuPont, Jr. received his D.D.S. degree from Loyola Dental School, New Orleans, Louisiana in 1967. He has published several books and articles. He has also developed and published an x-ray technique to view the stylohyoid complex in the differential review of TMJ, protocols for TMJ treatment with microcurrent and iontophoresis, in addition to a clinical technique for diagnosing NICO. Dr. DuPont is certified in pain management by the American Academy of Pain Management and is certified in the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial disease by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. He maintains a private practice in Gonzales, Louisiana.