Every year some people experience unexpected shooting pains in their face or jaw. Many of these individuals may suspect that the origin of this electrical shock-like pain is a toothache. However, for some of these patients, the actual culprit is Trigeminal Neuralgia. This chronic condition is the result of the trigeminal nerve being unusually sensitive. The location and experience of this pain make it common for dentists and patients alike to mistake it for a tooth-based issue. The team at Bluejay Family Dental is familiar with this condition and is available to help you get the relief you need.
Is It A Tooth Ache Or Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia can be very tricky to diagnose due to the nature of its symptoms. Similar to tooth pain, TN pain can manifest as a sharp or stabbing pain that occurs while chewing or talking. It can also appear when even light pressure is applied to the facial area. Even shaving can be enough to set off a painful sensation. The underlying cause is often a blood vessel that is positioned in a way that applies pressure to the trigeminal nerve. Over time, as the artery pulses against the surface of the nerve, the protective myelin layer can erode. With its insulation against stimulation removed, the nerve becomes highly sensitive, resulting in notable pain.
Some symptoms that indicate the presence of trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Pain that suddenly flares up on one side of the face and persists for seconds, minutes, or even hours.
- Pain that is sharp, stabbing, or feels similar to receiving a painful electric shock.
- Facial pain that typically only occurs while you’re awake and doesn’t often wake you.
- Pain that appears in the lower jaw, cheek, forehead, or another part of the face.
- Pain that is infrequent and doesn’t seem to follow any pattern. TN pain can appear years apart or happen several times a day.
Thankfully, there are several approaches to treating trigeminal neuralgia. Pharmaceutical treatment often occurs in the form of Tegretol. This is an effective painkiller for TN pain, though other options are available. Surgery may be required when the pain from this condition becomes severe enough. One approach to this condition is known as microvascular decompression and helps to address the pressure caused by the blood vessel responsible. This treatment is often successful, but other approaches may be used.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment With Bluejay Family Dental
Bluejay Family Dental can help our patients and their families address everything from preventative care to complex dental concerns. Getting help with this chronic condition starts with contacting our facility and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Steven Fidone. Your dental and medical history will be reviewed during your visit, and your symptoms will be discussed. The next step will be planning a treatment plan to address your symptoms and help you find relief from this condition. Call us today at (712) 256-6263 or contact us online, and we’ll arrange a time for you to see us in our office at Council Bluffs, IA.