How are dental pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia different?
I had been living with severe pain in my teeth, on the left side of my face, and sometimes in my head for 4 years. Initially, the pain used to come and go for a few seconds when I ate or brushed. Like anybody else, I rushed to the dentist, thinking it was something to do with the tooth. After several root canals, as well as the extraction of my wisdom tooth, the pain still persisted. (Story by Sacchi Bindra). Today, we will learn how dental pain and trigeminal neuralgia are different. The pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia is often felt in the Jaw, teeth, or gums. Many people with this condition initially visit their dentist rather than a neurologist or neurosurgeon. If you are currently without a dentist, you may want to contact your local family dentistry practice to see if they can fit you in some time soon. If you are facing any problem, consult with a physician. Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and investigate your facial pain using a dental X-ray. Firstly, they will find other common causes of facial pain, such as dental infection or cracked tooth. If your dentist can’t find a cause, it’s important not to undergo unnecessary treatment, such as a root canal filling or an extraction, even though you may be convinced that it’s a tooth-related problem. If your dentist can’t find anything wrong, don’t try to persuade them to remove a particular tooth, as this won’t solve the problem.
What is Trigeminal neuralgia? What are the symptoms of Trigeminal neuralgia?
Read It carefully & make yourself knowledgeable
Let’s understand “ Trigeminal Neuralgia”. It is severe facial pain. The pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia is a sharp, shooting pain; it’s like an electric shock in the Jaw, teeth, or gums. You might also hear it called “tic douloureux.”
There are two separate trigeminal nerves, one on each side of the face. These nerves are responsible for carrying the sensation of pain and other sensations from the face to the brain. Each nerve has three branches (forehand, midface, and chin). It’s possible to have TN of any (or all) branches. TN causes intense pain in part or all of the face. When these nerves need to be blocked in order to perform surgical procedures in that area, the use of portable ultrasounds, which can be found at https://www.butterflynetwork.com/anesthesia-ultrasound, will be highly beneficial in making sure the correct and required area is numbed when needed, mitigating the chance of mistakes.
The pain can be brought on by mild stimulation of the face, such as brushing your teeth or shaving. The pain is like electric shocks or stabbing. Initially, people with TN( Trigeminal Neuralgia) can get short or mild pain, burning sensation over time they may experience longer and more frequent attacks.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia and Dental Pain
You can get bouts of pain from a few seconds to several minutes. This series of attacks can last days, weeks, or months. Such a condition can progress. Sometimes, the pain becomes constant.
You can face shooting or jabbing pain, “electric shock-like” or “stabbing” pain. That makes you feel like an electric shock. Pain or attacks of trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by certain actions or movements.
- Chewing
- A cool breeze or air conditioning
- Brushing your teeth
- A light touch
- Shaving or putting on make-up
- Swallowing
- Talking
- Head movements
- Vibrations, such as walking or a car journey
Dental Pain: It is a very monotonous pain. It is not like a sharp shooting pain (electric shock) of Trigeminal Neuralgia.
- Monotonous pain with chewing
- Hot or cold sensitivity
- Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
- Swelling around a tooth or swelling of your jaw
- Injury or trauma to the area
The Cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The cause of trigeminal neuralgia disease is compression of the trigeminal nerve. The nerve inside the skull that transfers the sensation of pain and touch from your face, teeth, and mouth to your brain.
Trigeminal nerve compression is caused by a nearby blood vessel pressing on the part of the nerve inside the skull. However, not all patients with TN have vascular compression.
Related: Nutrition Strategies for Coping with Trigeminal Neuralgia
Treatment option for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Medication: Medication will provide relief from Pain and reduce the number of attacks. Anti-seizure medications are drugs that block never firing, and adjunctive medications include muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants. In some cases, additional treatments such as THC products like white lightning strain can help to further relax muscles and provide more relief for the patient.
Radiofrequency Thermal Lesioning: This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and uses a long, hollow needle to guide an electrical current to the trigeminal nerve. You will awake during the process to help your doctor identify the exact location of the origin of the pain.
Once the neurosurgeon identifies the site of the pain, the electrode is heated, and it destroys the nerve.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: It is a procedure that uses radiation focused on the trigeminal nerve.
Microvascular decompression: This is a procedure that moves or takes out blood vessels that are affecting the nerve.
Suggestion for the Patient who is suffering from Pain
Keep a daily journal of symptoms. Also, you should make a list of any facial injuries or surgeries that have been performed on your face.
Consult with a Physician or Doctor first.
