Facial Pain-Is this trigeminal neuralgia?

[reby]

Hello.  My husband (31 yrs) went to the dentist 6 mos ago for a cleaning.  He had extreme sensitivity in his gums for many weeks after, which eventually subsided.  He went again 4 weeks ago and again had extreme sensitivity when done.  It has progressively gotten worse to include aching in gums, upper and lower jaw, and facial pain (all on the R side).  The pain has become so bad that he clutches the R side of his face, jaw, ear and cries.  This intense pain only lasts a few minutes, but comes back (especially after chewing).  Then dentist told him it was a sinus infection, but our primary thinks it might be a trigeminal nerve issue (no evidence of any infection).  He is taking Amoxicillin (just in case), hydrocodone (which doesn't seem to stop the stabbing pain episodes), and Cymbalta which the MD thinks will help disrupt the neural pathways.  We are also using moist heat.  Could this be TN?  Are we doing the right things?  If it doesn't go away, should we see a neurologist?  My husband is younger than what I have read is normal-could the nerve be damaged by positioning during his dental visits?  Any advice or information you could pass along would be really appreciated.  Thank you so much for your time (I know how busy you must be!)>

[straight talk]

Have you researched TMJ? It is the jaw joint. It can disrupt and spasm the muscles in your face/neck/shoulders. I had symptoms of earaches, sinus pressure behind eyes, shooting pains in back of head, behind ears, ears popping, fuzzy eyesight, etc. along with neck/shoulder/arm pain from bulging and herniated discs in neck.  Thankfully my dentist is a TMJ specialist and is addressing the issue and PT has helped  soo much. Also accupuncture.

[shocking in AR]

Hi reby, I am new as of today, and got done with my post, and found yours.  After years of being diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, and telling Drs that I don't have it (no triggers, not bad, not getting worse), I have done lots of research.  Sounds like TN to me-you should get to a neurologist-ask first if Dr knows about it; from experience, you will need a knowlegable and VERY curious Dr who will work FOR YOU to find out what's wrong.  A good site is:  www.tna-support.org they have loads of information.  I hope that I have helped in some way.