Link between Dental Work and Trigeminal Neuralgia

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Trigeminal neuralgia is an extremely painful neuropathic disease characterized by facial pain. The trigeminal nerve causes the pain, which can be present in different areas of the face such as the eye, nose, ear, cheeks and even teeth. The pain can range dramatically in length, ranging from minutes to hours. Sometimes it is triggered by touch whereas other times it occurs spontaneously. It is important to understand the connection between this serious condition and dental work.
One of the major connections between dental work and trigeminal neuralgia involves misdiagnoses. Dentists may incorrectly diagnose this disease as a dental problem. According to Dentistry, the dentist may assume that the patient is suffering from pulpitis if tapping on the tooth induces pain. Pulpitis occurs when the pulp or nerve of a tooth is inflamed. With this diagnosis, the dentist typically suggests a root canal. In other cases, an extraction is suggested instead. These procedures may be performed for no reason because of the misdiagnosis.
Trigeminal neuralgia is also sometimes misdiagnosed as Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD or TMD). Because the treatment for each of these ranges so greatly, it is important to get a correct diagnosis. Seek a second opinion if you are not happy with your dentist.
There are many problems that can occur when one has unnecessary dental work because of a misdiagnosis of a dental problem instead of trigeminal neuralgia. First the patient will have to go through the painful root canal or extraction procedure. They will endure the cost of these pricey treatments. The biggest problem may be that trigeminal neuralgia can actually be exacerbated because of major dental work.
When a patient with trigeminal neuralgia undergoes major dental work, it may trigger an episode of the disorder. It even has the power to end a period of remission. One way to get an idea of whether it is a true problem with the tooth is to use hot and cold to test it.
If one already has a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia, then there are specific precautions that must be taken with regards to dental work. First it is important that the dental work is necessary. Your doctor may suggest an increase in your medications before the work. It is vital to talk to your health care provider before changing any dosages, however, so that you do not overdose. A painkiller before and after the procedure may be of use as well.
Make sure that your dentist knows about your condition. If you have an idea of where your trigger points for trigeminal neuralgia are, then ask the doctor to stay away from them when giving the injection for anesthesia. If you will have difficulty emotionally with the procedure then you can talk to the doctor about laughing gas or other options.
Because dental problems can trigger trigeminal neuralgia, you want to maintain good dental health. Visit the dentist the recommended twice a year to get cleanings. Brush your teeth often and avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as you can. With careful maintenance you will be more likely to avoid dental work and its interference with your condition.