Atypical facial pain - right side

[Diamond436]

I started having atypical facial pain over a year ago.  Due to pain in upper right teeth area, I went to my dentist.  Had two root canals done and then one tooth pulled hoping pain would go away. Still have pain.  Have been to family dr. who ordered a CT scan completed which shows nothing unusual, neurologist (was of no help), ear nose throat specialist, and presenting going regularly to a dental college wherein they say I have atypical facial pain.  I am presently on a neurontin for RX.  Nothing relieves the pain unless I lay down and then sleep fine.  Sometimes (and oddly enough), when I eat or chew gum the pain goes away.  I am now trying acupuncture.  Does anyone have other ideas?

[Diamond436]

Hello.  I wish to provide you an update to my atypical facial pain that I wrote about a few years ago.  I decided to have orthodontics done.  My dentist (not the same one that did all my previous dental work) is also an orthodontist.  I have always had crowded teeth and was willing to try ortho to see if it would help my pain plus give me a pretty smile.  I had traditional ortho brackets and wires put on in May, 2011.  My pain was 100% GONE within a couple of days!  In January, 2013, my ortho came off and now I wear retainers.  The atypical facial pain has returned, however, it is only on a pain level of a 2 versus before at a 10!  I encourage anyone with this problem to consider orthodontics.  It has been a life savior for me!

[rooka]

Hello,

I realize this post was Feb 2009, but i thought i would see if you would still respond. I too have this exact problem.. even had 2 teeth extracted in the hope that the pain would go away. It did not !

It is constant and just on the left side of my face and ive suffered for over 2 years now, almost 3. I take neurontin every 4 hours and this still doesnt fully get rid of it. Had to quit my job bc i cant concentrate and losing my memory now.

Ive had multiple CT, MRI, neurologist visits, ENT Dr's.. even had nasal surgery, acupuncture, chinese medicine, physio, and none of it has gotten any closer to a cure.


the latest theory is that i have paranasal sinus disease, but that is just bc they cant find anything else wrong with me i think.

how about you ?

[Tuckamore]

hello Diamond,

I am so sorry to hear about your pain. It must be agonizing. I am glad that you found us at MedHelp's Pain Management Forum.

It seems as if you have been to all the right physicians. I am sorry they have not been able to offer you a diagnosis. I do encourage you to not give up. I suggest you see other speciality physicians at different clinics. Some times a different set of eyes, more test and repeating tests can find solutions that the first set of physicians and dentists could not discover. And sometimes a condition will change a bit or hide at times and those repeat tests or again different eyes can be helpful. But please be assertive and continue to search for answers until you obtain an answer that you are comfortable with.

Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates with interest.Best of luck to you.
Peace, Tuck

[sandee1818]

I was thinking of TMJ. It can cause pain like you describe but it seems that it does add to the pain when chewing I believe. Someone will correct me here if IO am wrong.
I know there are a few members here that do suffer from the kind of pain your having.
I will look and see if I can find a couple of them to help you.
I hope you will keep us updated and I will see what I can find out for you:)