Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

ORAL SHINGLES

I was diagnosed as having shingles of my lower right gums in 2001 by two different physicans. Even with Valtrex and Viroxyn, medicated rinses and toothpaste  -  I will have an outbreak every time I have dental work even after routine cleaning. It has since spread farther right along my gum line and now includes the right side of my tongue and throat. It takes months for it to heal and for the pain and burning to subside to a tolerable level. Even room air touching the affected area is excruitating.

I now believe that I have post-herpetic neuralgia as the pain is now not only severe but chronic.

I can no longer tolerate even routine dental exams/cleanings as the pain of the procedure is unbearable not to mention the shingle outbreaks post care.

My question is --  how can I, or can I request on a medical/preventative standpoint to have my teeth extracted. Would I need to pursue this through my dentist or primary care physcian?

2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
581210 tn?1220834780
If going to the dentist hurts, just imagine how bad dentures might be!  I would be talking to my primary care physician.  Dentists don't normally have to deal with shingles, and some don't know much about medication.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
Extraction of teeth is not going to solve your problem.Post herpetic neuralgia can be managed by topical application of capsaicin, tricyclic antidepressants, such asdesipramin, amitryptylin, or gabapentin. Please review the textbook titled: Burket's oral medicine, page282,11th edition, bc decker.You'll find detailed information to effectively manage phn.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dental Health Community

Top Dental Answerers
Avatar universal
taipei, Taiwan
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw clicking and popping ear pain, you may have TMJ. Top dentist Hamidreza Nassery, DMD, has the best TMJ treatments for you.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.