Did you know that most patients (54%) with orofacial pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia, initially visit their dentist? It’s only a matter of time before a patient walks into your practice with ‘phantom pain,’ displaying symptoms that seem tooth-related but are actually neurological. Trigeminal neuralgia is not a dental condition; it’s a neurological condition that dental professionals need to identify and recognize to prevent unnecessary dental procedures.
Classic trigeminal neuralgia pain is characterized by recurring, severe attacks, usually in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Activities like eating, brushing, shaving, and even a breeze can trigger these attacks. In a recent survey of TN patients, a staggering 67% underwent at least one dental procedure in an attempt to alleviate their pain. Additionally, 51% endured more than two unnecessary procedures.
The Facial Pain Association (FPA) is the world’s largest and oldest facial pain organization. For over 30 years, we’ve been providing accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information from leading experts in the field, making us the most reliable and comprehensive resource on facial pain conditions for patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.
The FPA’s mission with dental professionals is to increase awareness of TN and promote behavior change. Our goal is to reduce the number of unnecessary dental procedures to exactly zero.
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For more information, visit facepain.org.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Engin Akyurt on Unsplash.