Can dental pain mimic trigeminal neuralgia?

Can dental pain mimic trigeminal neuralgia?

Dental pain is the most common in this group and it can present in several different ways. Of particular interest for is that dental pain can mimic both trigeminal neuralgia and other chronic trigeminal pain disorders. It is crucial to exclude these disorders whilst managing patients with chronic trigeminal pain.

Can a tooth root cause trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia frequently occurs during root canal procedures resulting in an over extension of a file or overfill of root canal material beyond the apex of the root.

Can a dentist diagnose trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is often diagnosed by a dentist, but if you have seen a dentist and they could not find an obvious cause of your pain, you should visit a GP.

What is trigeminal neuralgia pain like?

Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe facial pain. It’s often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums. It usually happens in short, unpredictable attacks that can last from a few seconds to about 2 minutes. The attacks stop as suddenly as they start.

What dental procedures can cause trigeminal neuralgia?

The most common procedures associated with trigeminal nerve injury in the practice of dentistry include the removal of impacted third molars and placement of endosseous dental implants (Figure 1). Additional causes can include endodontic procedures and even administration of local anesthesia.

Where does trigeminal neuralgia hurt?

In most cases, trigeminal neuralgia affects just one side of the face, with the pain usually felt in the lower part of the face. Very occasionally the pain can affect both sides of the face, although not usually at the same time.

Can facial nerve cause tooth pain?

Pain in areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve, including the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or less often the eye and forehead. Pain affecting one side of the face at a time, though may rarely affect both sides of the face.

Can trigeminal neuralgia ever go away on its own?

Trigeminal neuralgia may go away for a period of time without any treatment, but it usually comes back at some point. It is not uncommon for people suffering from trigeminal neuralgia to go months or even years without experiencing any pain, but eventually, the condition will recur.

What is trigeminal neuralgia and what causes it?

Neuralgia is a type of non-nociceptive pain, and trigeminal neuralgia is non-nociceptive pain caused by the trigeminal or 5th cranial nerve in the face. People with neuralgia describe it as a short-lived but intense burning or stabbing pain.

What causes trigeminal neuralgia to flare up?

A flare-up of trigeminal neuralgia may occur for weeks or months and then disappear for a while, sometimes years. Although flare-ups can be mild, the condition can progress, causing the attacks to be longer, more frequent and more painful. Common triggers include: Pressure from shaving. Applying makeup. Brushing teeth.

What is the prognosis for trigeminal neuralgia?

Prognosis for Trigeminal neuralgia: The disorder is characterized by recurrences and remissions, and successive recurrences may incapacitate the patient. Due to the intensity of the pain, even the fear of an impending attack may prevent activity. Trigeminal neuralgia is not fatal.