Facial Neuropathology

Facial nerve disorders produce pain or altered sensation that is frequently mistaken for dental pain — and are sometimes treated with unnecessary extractions as a result. Accurate diagnosis is the critical first step.

Conditions treated

Trigeminal neuralgia (sudden, severe, electric-shock-like facial pain triggered by light touch, chewing or even a breeze), persistent facial pain, numbness or altered sensation following injury or surgery, and burning mouth syndrome.

Approach

Diagnosis first, through careful history, clinical examination and imaging to exclude other causes. Trigeminal neuralgia is usually managed medically in the first instance; nerve blocks and surgical options are considered where medication is insufficient or poorly tolerated.

You may need this if

Sudden, severe, electric-shock-like facial pain
Pain triggered by light touch, chewing, brushing or cold air
Numbness or altered sensation after an injury or surgery
Burning sensation in the mouth with no visible cause

Not sure whether this applies to you? Call and describe the problem — we will tell you honestly.

What treatment involves

1

Careful diagnosis

History and examination distinguish nerve pain from dental pain. This step prevents the unnecessary extractions that these conditions frequently cause.

2

Excluding other causes

Imaging is used to rule out other pathology before settling on a diagnosis.

3

Medical management

Trigeminal neuralgia responds well to specific medication in most cases, started at a low dose and adjusted.

4

Further options

Nerve blocks or surgical referral where medication is insufficient or poorly tolerated.

Why it is worth doing

Avoids unnecessary extractions Nerve pain is often mistaken for toothache and wrongly treated.

Proper diagnosis History, examination and imaging to identify the real cause.

Medical management first Most cases are controlled without any surgery.

Escalation if required Nerve blocks and surgical options where medication is not enough.

Aftercare

Take medication exactly as prescribed — these drugs need steady levels
Keep a simple diary of attacks and triggers; it genuinely guides treatment
Do not agree to extraction of a healthy tooth for facial pain without a clear dental cause

Questions