Toggle navigation
Aberdeen Dental Associates
11800 Aberdeen St NE Suite #110 Blaine, MN 55449(763) 786-4280
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for tag: facial pain

Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment

By Aberdeen Dental Associates
April 30, 2020
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: facial pain   trigeminal neuralgia  
FacialNervePaincanbeManagedwithEffectiveTreatment

Life would be harrowing if we had no ability to feel pain. Although experiencing it is unpleasant, pain's purpose is to alert us to something wrong in our body. Without pain diseases and other problems could worsen to the point of life-threatening.

But pain without a purpose — the nerves simply misfiring — can make life miserable. This can happen with the trigeminal nerves that exit the brain stem and end on each side of the face. Each nerve has three branches that serve the upper, middle and lower parts of the face and jaw.

When they don't work properly, trigeminal nerves can give rise to a disorder known as trigeminal neuralgia. Beginning often as an occasional twinge, they may escalate to several seconds of mild to excruciating pain occurring over weeks, months or even years. An episode may erupt from chewing, speaking or even lightly touching of the face.

We see this condition most often in people over fifty, particularly women. We don't know the exact cause, but there's strong suspicion that the nerve's protective sheath has been damaged, similar to what occurs with multiple sclerosis or other inflammatory conditions. Another possibility is a blood vessel putting pressure on the nerve and disrupting its normal operation. Such an impinged nerve might transmit pain signals at the slightest stimulation and then fail to “switch off” when the stimulation stops.

Although we can't cure trigeminal neuralgia, we can help you manage it and reduce discomfort during episodes. We'll first try conservative, less-invasive techniques, like signal-blocking medications or drugs that reduce abnormal firing.

If these aren't effective, we may then recommend a surgical solution. One such procedure is known as percutaneous treatment in which we insert a thin needle to selectively damage nerve fibers to prevent their firing. If we've determined an artery or vein has compressed the nerve, we might surgically relocate the vessel. These techniques can be quite effective but they do have possible side effects like numbness or hearing loss.

If you've experienced facial pain, don't continue to suffer. Visit us for a complete examination and learn about your options for pain relief. More than likely, there's a way to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

If you would like more information on facial pain, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Trigeminal Neuralgia.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

You can Get Relief from Facial Pain

By Aberdeen Dental Associates
November 12, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: facial pain  
YoucanGetRelieffromFacialPain

Each year doctors treat about 150,000 new cases of severe facial pain. If you're one of those people, you don't have to suffer—there are ways to gain relief from these painful episodes.

Those recurring episodes are known as trigeminal neuralgia (TN). As the name implies, the source of the pain are the trigeminal nerves, which originate in the brain stem and extend on either side of the face. Each is divided into three branches (hence the "tri" in trigeminal) that serve the upper, middle and lower parts of the face and jaw.

TN can involve one or more of these branches, resulting in mild to severe pain that can last for several seconds. Jaw movements like chewing or speaking can trigger an episode, as well as a light touch to the face.

There are various proposed causes for TN, including links with inflammatory disorders like multiple sclerosis, which damages the insulating sheathing around nerve cells. The most common cause, though, appears to be a blood vessel pressing against the nerve. The compression causes hypersensitivity in that area of the nerve so that it transmits pain at the slightest sensation.

Other conditions like jaw joint pain disorders (TMD) or a dental abscess can cause similar pain symptoms, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. If your doctor does identify your condition as TN, you may then need a comprehensive approach to treatment involving a team of care providers, including your dentist.

For the most part, TN can be managed, beginning with the most conservative approach to gain relief, often with medications to block the nerve's pain signals to the brain or decrease abnormal nerve firings. If that proves insufficient, though, more intensive treatments are available.

One possible treatment for an impinging blood vessel is a microsurgical procedure to expose the affected nerve and relocate the vessel. While this can be effective, the surgery does carry some risk of facial numbness or decreased hearing. If the risks are too high for conventional surgery, an alternative procedure uses a precise beam of high-dose radiation to relieve the pressure from the vessel.

The most important thing to know about TN, though, is that it is possible to control it and relieve future pain episodes. If you're experiencing these symptoms, see your dentist or doctor for an exam and accurate diagnosis.

If you would like more information on trigeminal neuralgia, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Nerve Disorder that Causes Facial Pain.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Facial Nerve Pain can be Reduced with the Right Treatment Approach

By Aberdeen Dental Associates
October 11, 2015
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: facial pain  
FacialNervePaincanbeReducedwiththeRightTreatmentApproach

Our nerves serve a vital purpose, alerting us to bodily discomfort, injury or disease — we couldn’t remain in good health for long without them. But when they malfunction due to genetics or disease, they can themselves become a source of pain and discomfort.

One such nerve disorder that affects the face is known as trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or tic douloureaux (from the French for “painful”). The nerves in question are the trigeminal, a pair that travel up from the brain stem through the skull into each side of the face where they each branch into the upper, middle and lower parts of the face and jaw. The pain can radiate from one or more of these branches.

TN is characterized by recurring episodes of brief but severe pain with accompanying muscle spasms. It may begin as a short twinge recurring over weeks, months or years before becoming increasingly painful. The slightest actions can trigger a painful episode: chewing, speaking, shaving or even the wind blowing on your face.

While it may be hard to determine its exact cause, it often seems to result from an artery or vein pressing on the nerve, causing it to signal pain at the slightest stimulation and then failing to stop transmitting when the stimulation is removed. It’s also associated with other inflammatory disorders like multiple sclerosis where the protective insulation around a nerve is damaged.

Before receiving treatment you should undergo a complete examination to rule out any other facial pain causes like temporomandibular (jaw joint) disorders or a dental abscess. You may also need to undergo a neurological examination and possible MRI imaging to pinpoint the exact cause, like a tumor or blood vessel pressing on the nerve.

Although the condition may not be curable, there are several effective management treatments. The more conservative approaches usually involve medications to block the nerve’s pain signals or decrease its abnormal firing. If this isn’t sufficient to diminish symptoms, there are surgical options: passing a thin needle through the nerve to selectively prevent fibers from firing, or moving aside a blood vessel pressing on it. High-dose targeted radiation may also be effective, especially with older patients.

The best treatment approach will depend on the exact cause, your age and overall health. Whatever the approach, you can gain significant relief from the pain of TN.

If you would like more information on facial nerve disorders, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • February (3)
        • How AFV's Alfonso Ribeiro Saved His Tooth
        • How You Can Prevent Teeth Grinding From Damaging Your Oral Health
        • Here's What You Need To Know About Dental Insurance and Choosing a Crown
      • January (3)
        • Two Good Options for Temporarily Replacing a Teenager's Missing Tooth
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • Your Food's Micronutrients Make a Difference in Your Dental Health
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • 4 Things You Can Do To Protect Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
        • Local Anesthesia Makes for a More Pleasant and Pain-Free Dental Experience
        • Vivica Fox and Zendaya Have This in Common: A Gorgeous Smile
      • November (3)
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
        • Age Doesn't Have to Stop You From Straightening Your Smile
        • 4 Areas Deserving Attention as You Protect Your Teeth for a Lifetime
      • October (3)
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
        • Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
        • Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
      • September (3)
        • Preventing Gum Disease Could Help More Than Your Teeth and Gums
        • Porcelain Veneers Transform Real Housewives Star's Smile Spoiled by Teeth Grinding
        • Use Appropriate Hygiene Products for Maximum Smile Protection
      • August (3)
        • This Orthodontic Device Could Reduce the Need for Future Braces
        • DIY Orthodontics is a Recipe for Dental Disaster
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
      • July (3)
        • Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
        • Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
        • Here's the Scoop on Your Upcoming Root Canal
      • June (3)
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • 3 Reasons a Root Canal Treatment Might Fail and What You Can Do About It
        • 4 Ways to Avoid Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
      • May (3)
        • With Outdoor Sports (Hopefully) Poised to Begin, Be Prepared for Oral Injuries
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
        • Sedation Therapy Can Help Anxious Patients Get the Dental Care They Need
      • April (3)
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment
        • Lip or Palate Clefts can be Effectively Repaired
        • Pop Star Demi Lovato Pops Out Jay Glazer's Tooth
      • March (4)
        • Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
        • Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
        • Why Vaping isn't a Safe Choice for Your Oral Health
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
      • February (2)
        • Stop Bite Problems Early With Interceptive Orthodontics
        • You Don't Have to Live With Uncomfortable Cracked Mouth Corners
      • January (4)
        • Wearing Dentures 24/7 May Not Be a Good Idea - Here's Why
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • 3 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Tooth Enamel
        • Watch Out for Re-Infection After a Root Canal Treatment
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • Fluoridated Drinking Water Helps Curb Tooth Decay Safely
      • November (3)
        • Wearing a Retainer Will Protect Your New Smile After Braces
        • You can Get Relief from Facial Pain
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • October (3)
        • 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
        • Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
      • September (3)
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
        • A Partnership With the Dentist Will Help Your Child's Teeth Develop Normally
        • A Little Orthodontic Magic Could Help an Impacted Tooth Erupt
      • August (3)
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Extend the Life of a Primary Molar
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • 3 Ways to Correct Missing Front Teeth
      • July (3)
        • Sedation can Make Dental Treatment Easier for High Anxiety Patients
        • You May Need to Postpone an Upcoming Dental Visit if You Have Shingles
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
      • June (3)
        • You May Not Need a Narcotic to Manage Post-Dental Work Pain
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
        • Improve Your Dental Health by Mastering Your Brushing Skills
      • May (3)
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Here's How You Can Protect Your Child's Teeth from Tooth Decay
        • You Might Avoid a Root Canal with This Tooth-Saving Procedure
      • April (3)
        • Get Ahead of a Developing Cross-Bite with This Early Intervention Measure
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Your Age Doesn't Have to Keep You from a Straighter Smile
        • Recreational Marijuana Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • February (3)
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
        • A Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • January (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
      • November (3)
        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
        • TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • October (3)
        • Is Traditional Flossing too Difficult? Consider Water Flossing
        • 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • September (3)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Correcting a Poor Bite Improves Dental Health as Well as Smile Appearance
      • August (3)
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
      • July (3)
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
      • June (3)
        • Can an App Help You Brush Your Teeth?
        • What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
        • Bone Grafting Might be Necessary Before You Obtain an Implant
      • May (4)
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • Your Child Isn't in Danger from X-Rays Thanks to the ALARA Principle
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
      • April (2)
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
      • March (3)
        • 3 Things Your Dentist Recommends You do if You Have Shingles
        • 3 Things You May Not Know About Orthodontics
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • February (2)
        • Retainers Help you Protect Your Newly Aligned Teeth
        • February Focuses on Children's Dental Health
      • January (2)
        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • What You can do to Ease that Burning Sensation in Your Mouth
        • Gum Disease can Prevent Your Gums from Protecting Your Teeth
      • November (2)
        • 3 Ways You Can Help Your Child Feel at Home at the Dentist
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
      • October (2)
        • Metal Dental Amalgam: Still a Safe and Effective Tooth Filling
        • Bad Breath in Children
      • September (2)
        • FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
      • August (3)
        • The Case for Moving Just a Few Teeth Orthodontically
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator
      • July (2)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
      • June (2)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Tooth Troubles for NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
      • May (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
      • April (2)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
      • March (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • February (3)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • January (2)
        • The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Those Red Patches on Your Tongue are Nothing to be Alarmed About
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • November (3)
        • Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
      • October (2)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
      • September (2)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • 4 Things to Give Your Child a Head Start on Good Oral Health
      • August (2)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
      • July (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • June (2)
        • There's a Good Reason for Adults to Consider Orthodontics - Better Oral Health
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • May (2)
        • Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
        • A Royal Fix
      • April (2)
        • Local Anesthesia Provides a More Pleasant and Thorough Dental Experience
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
      • March (2)
        • A Root Canal Treatment may be Your Best Chance to Save a Tooth
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • February (2)
        • 3 Ways Your Dental Hygienist Improves Your Oral Health
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • January (3)
        • Crown Differences Could Ultimately Affect Your Cost
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
      • October (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Reduced with the Right Treatment Approach
      • September (2)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
      • August (2)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Easing the Pain and Discomfort of Canker Sores
      • July (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • June (2)
        • Changing Antibiotic Use Today will Help Ensure Their Effectiveness Tomorrow
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • May (3)
        • Clicking Jaw: When Should You Be Concerned?
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (63)
  • oral hygiene (27)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • tmd (1)
  • tmj (1)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • pregnancy (2)
  • gum disease (7)
  • canker sore (1)
  • braces (10)
  • gum recession (4)
  • cosmetic dentistry (7)
  • facial pain (3)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • tooth extraction (1)
  • dry mouth (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (16)
  • tooth decay (2)
  • oral health (13)
  • dental implants (6)
  • crowns (5)
  • orthodontics (6)
  • root canal (2)
  • mouthguards (3)
  • anesthesia (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • x-rays (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • periodontal disease (1)
  • artificial sweeteners (1)
  • oral appliance (1)
  • night guard (1)
  • porcelain veneers (3)
  • toothache (1)
  • teeth whitening (4)
  • geographic tongue (1)
  • wisdom teeth (2)
  • root canal treatment (5)
  • sedation dentistry (3)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • partial denture (2)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (9)
  • clear aligners (1)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • flossing (2)
  • orthodontic treatment (25)
  • retainers (4)
  • bad breath (2)
  • fillings (1)
  • burning mouth syndrome (1)
  • veneers (2)
  • shingles (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • apioectomy (1)
  • bone graft (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • dental care (2)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • bonded retainer (1)
  • composite resin (1)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • pain management (1)
  • dental visit (1)
  • tooth replacement (1)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • crown (1)
  • fluoride (2)
  • lingual braces (1)
  • dentures (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • dry socket (1)
  • dental treatment (1)
  • cleft lip (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (1)
  • nutrition (1)
  • bridge (1)
  • teeth grinding (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (87)
  • Dental Procedures (94)

Our Location

11800 Aberdeen St NE Suite #110
Blaine, MN 55449
(763) 786-4280

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday:Closed
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dentist Website Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map