You should be made aware of how prevalent orofacial pain is. Face, neck, and mouth discomfort are common complaints. Conservative therapies work well for some people. Oral surgery is the answer for others. After a comprehensive examination and diagnostic evaluation, a case-by-case determination is made regarding the best treatment for orofacial pain. The immediate objective is pain relief, but oral surgery may be required to address the underlying issue and stop the problem from recurring.
Oral Surgery For Trigeminal Neuralgia And Orofacial Pain
Trigeminal neuralgia is an excruciating condition of the face that tends to come and go in sudden shock-like episodes. The pain is typically excruciating, shooting, stabbing, or burning, typically brought on by light contact. There may be several short-lived bursts of discomfort that follow one another quickly. A dull, persistent ache, a sharp stabbing pain, or any mixture of the two may be felt in the orofacial area. Additionally, some patients report migraines, difficulty eating or chewing, sore muscles, and popping, clicking, or locking of the jaw joint. Why do these signs occur? There could be several problems at play, such as:
- Bruxism, or tooth clenching and grinding
- Missing teeth or crooked teeth
- damage to the face, throat, or jaw
- Disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Trigeminal neuralgia is one example of facial nerve disease.
The fifth cranial, trigeminal nerve conveys pain information to the brain. When the nerve is damaged, pain signals are sent at the wrong times, and the aches can be very severe. TN is considered the most painful medical condition ever to exist. The pains have been variably compared to a powerful electric shock shooting through the face or intense stabbing and burning sensations. More women than males are affected by TN, and the right side of the face is typically the only side to experience pain. The majority of those affected are over 50, though the disease can also affect young adults and, very infrequently, children.
On each side of the face, the trigeminal nerve has three branches or sections. Above the eyes, forehead, and front of the skull is where the ophthalmic branch is located. The maxillary branch passes through the top jaw, cheek, teeth, gums, and the side of the nose. The mandibular branch crosses the lower mandible, teeth, and gums. Although one or more limbs can cause TN pains, the middle, and lower branches are typically the most troubled.
According to experts, surgical intervention for facial pain should be used as a last resort. Oral surgery, however, may be an option if conservative measures fall short in relieving symptoms and patients cannot fully appreciate their lives due to pain.
Let South Hill Comprehensive Dentistry Help You With Your TN Pain.
The orofacial pain specialists at South Hill Comprehensive Dentistry are skilled in managing various conditions connected to the mouth, face, and jaw. We can help you find comfort when dealing with acute or chronic pain. Call our office at (509) 747-8779 immediately to learn more about South Hill Comprehensive Dentistry or to arrange an appointment to review non-surgical alternatives for treating orofacial pain.
