Do you suffer from pain in your face? The problem can be caused by neuropathy, a condition that occurs when the nerves that serve the
face are damaged. Pueblo, CO, dentist, Dr. Elmer Villalon, discusses neuropathic pain and explains what can be done to treat face pain.
What causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Dental Procedures: Although dentists try to avoid nerves when removing impacted wisdom teeth, sometimes nerve damage occurs. Neuropathy can also be caused due to improper placement of local anesthetic during a dental procedure or treatment.
- Injuries: Nerve pain often continues long after your injury heals. Neuropathy may occur if you've been in an accident or if the trigeminal nerve in the face is damaged by an infection or a surgical or dental procedure.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis attacks the nerves throughout the body, including those in the face.
- Tumors and Blood Vessels: Face pain can occur if a tumor or blood vessel presses against a nerve.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
If you have neuropathy, you may experience different types of pain, depending on the cause of your problem. People who have neuropathy may experience tingling or numbing in part of the face or may notice burning or aching or pain. Pain and other symptoms may be constant or may only occur occasionally.
Face pain that starts after a dental procedure may cause a tooth ache-like pain in a tooth even though there are no signs of decay in the tooth. The problem is called atypical odontalgia and is a type of phantom pain. Injuries or damage to the trigeminal nerve can cause short periods of severe or stabbing pain. During your visit to Dr. Villalon's Pueblo office, he'll ask you to describe your symptoms in detail, in addition to performing an examination of your face and mouth.
How is face pain treated?
Thanks to several innovative treatments, face pain can be reduced and controlled. Topical anesthetics, antidepressants, high blood pressure drugs, pain medication, anti-seizure medication, steroid injections or anesthetic injections can be helpful, depending on the cause of your pain. Rhizotomy procedures or radiofrequency lesioning can be used to destroy nerves to end pain. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.
Don't let face pain affect your life. Schedule an appointment with Pueblo, CO, dentist Dr. Elmer Villalon by calling (719) 542-7844 to find out which treatment options will help you.