Over the past 6 years I have had two teeth pulled on the same side of my mouth. Both times I went to my dentist who referred me to an endodontist and neither one could find a problem with my teeth. The teeth hurt so bad that I just had them removed because I could not tolerate the pain anymore. Now once again I am having a toothache on the same side and am being referred to the endodontist again. Does anyone have any idea what may be going on with my teeth?

Thanks, Rebecca

Dear Rebecca,

Hearing that you have had teeth extracted with no signs of infection and are having another toothache may be an indicator that something else is going on. There is a condition known as Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), which is a constant pain that affects the trigeminal nerve. This nerve carries sensation from your face to your brain. The pain is like an electric shock that can last a few seconds up to several minutes. These episodes can last days, weeks, and even months and then can subside for months or even years. Pain can be triggered just from brushing your teeth, putting on makeup, eating, and even talking. Nobody knows the exact cause of TN but it’s assumed that a blood vessel is pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it leaves the brainstem which causes a deterioration of the nerve sending abnormal signals to the brain. Many people with TN develop toothaches with no signs of infection and have teeth extracted over the years before they are even diagnosed with this condition. The only way to determine if you actually have TN is to have a neurological examination completed by a physician. If you are diagnosed with this condition medicine is the most common treatment to subside the pain, however in severe cases surgery is needed.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist