While there is still much to learn about the causes of facial neuropathies, there are a number of treatments that have been proven to be helpful. When trying to manage the symptoms of orofacial neuropathic pain, it is frequently discovered that a combination of therapies and treatments works best. The development of treatment strategies for the disorders included here should be done in consultation with a physician, as is the case with all neuropathic pain conditions.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Anti-seizure medications: The first line of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is often medicine that inhibits abnormal nerve firing. Anticonvulsant pharmaceuticals such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and a number of other treatments considered to be useful in reducing nerve overactivity may be prescribed by a doctor. It is frequently possible to determine the ideal dosage for these powerful medications by gradually titrating the dosage while closely observing the drug’s effects and side effects.
- Trigeminal Neuropathy
If the pain is coming from a nerve close to the teeth or gums, local anesthetics and steroid injections may help to lessen the symptoms of atypical odontalgia. Pain alleviation has also been observed when topical medicinal creams are applied after preparation. Anti-seizure drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin- norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are examples of drug treatment choices.
Treating Sleep Apnea: Surgical treatment may be necessary if pain brought on by nerve injury from a dental operation does not subside within 6 to 8 weeks. 70 percent of patients report at least a 75 percent improvement in symptoms when treatment is started within 10 to 12 weeks of the injury. The likelihood of successfully treating nerve damage brought on by dentistry and medical operations increases the closer they are done to the incident.
Therapy using oral appliances for pain: As you may already be aware, oral appliance therapy is the second currently accepted treatment option for sleep apnea and snoring. This recommendation comes from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Oral appliances should be used to treat the majority of people who currently have sleep apnea, who fall into the mild to moderate categories. Despite the fact that CPAP therapy is incredibly effective, some patients are unable to or prefer not to wear the face mask with the associated air compressor.