Oral Surgery For Trigeminal Neuralgia And Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain is more common than people realize, as many people suffer from this type of pain every day without treatment. Trigeminal neuralgia is an extreme, severe facial pain that causes excruciating, sharp pain, and it’s considered one of the most painful conditions known today. As oral surgeons, pain relief is our immediate goal, and in some cases, oral surgery can help correct underlying problems and prevent them from returning.

Getting Oral Surgery For Trigeminal Neuralgia And Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain can be a dull, constant ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or any combination of the two sensations. Some people may also experience headaches and discomfort while chewing, experience muscle soreness, and even jaw clicking.

Trigeminal neuralgia causes electric shocks of pain throughout the face, often described as a stabbing or burning sensation. This condition affects more women than men and typically occurs in people over 50. The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve responsible for sending pain messages to the brain, and trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the nerve malfunctions. In more specific cases, the trigeminal nerve can malfunction in one of three branches or divisions, including: 

• Ophthalmic Branch: The ophthalmic branch runs along the eye, forehead, and front of the head.
• Maxillary Branch: The maxillary branch runs along the cheeks, upper jaw, teeth, gums, and along the side of the nose. 
• Mandibular Branch: The mandibular branch runs along the lower jaw, teeth, and gums. 

While trigeminal neuralgia is a specific type of orofacial pain, other causes of orofacial pain include: 

• Bruxism or Teeth Grinding
• Missing Teeth
• Tooth Misalignment
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
• Facial Trauma to the Face, Neck, and Jaw

Conservative and surgical methods can be used for patients facing debilitating orofacial pain from any of these conditions. Oral surgeons such as Dr. Ramin Shabtaie can provide a variety of methods for treating your orofacial pain, including: 

• Oral Appliances: These include mouth guards and stabilization splints. 
• Muscle Relaxants: Perscription muscle relaxants can help relieve either short-term or long-term orofacial pain. 
• Orthognathic Surgery: Orthognathic surgery can be used to correct bite problems and issues with tooth misalignments. 
• Arthrocentesis: This procedure is used for flushing out the temporomandibular joint to help provide jaw and nerve pain relief. 
• Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy helps remove excess joint tissues and realigns the jaw in cases of misalignments and TMD. 
• Arthroplasty: This procedure helps correct structural problems within the jaw joint to relieve pressure off the trigeminal nerve.
• Facial Fracture Repair: For patients facing severe facial trauma, facial reconstruction, and repair can help provide better care. 
• Tooth Extractions: Some people may be experiencing pain from an affected tooth, and tooth extractions may be appropriate in these cases. 

Receive Oral Surgery For Orofacial at University Oral Surgery Center

As a practice specializing in oral surgery in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Ramin Shabtaie and his team can provide the best dental care possible to relieve your dental pain. If you want to learn more about oral surgery options for tooth pain, contact University Oral Surgery Center at (310) 208-3471 for more information.