Therapeutic Applications of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Dentistry: Current Evidence, Clinical Effectiveness, and Limitations

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive method of pain relief using electrical impulses delivered to peripheral nerves.In dentistry, it has been explored as a method of alleviating symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), orofacial pain, masticatory muscle pain, and postoperative discomfort.This narrative review outlines how TENS works, when it can be used, and the advantages and disadvantages.A search was performed on PubMed/Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant literature.All articles were published in English and between the database start date and September 2026.Evidence suggests that TENS may have advantages in certain situations; however, results can vary depending on the condition, settings, and methods used.Some articles also show little benefit.More highquality clinical research is required to determine its effectiveness in dental situations.