Trigeminal neuralgia is
NOT a dental condition.

Do you know the difference?

Trigeminal neuralgia is not a dental condition.

Do you know the difference?

Classic trigeminal neuralgia pain is characterized by recurring attacks of severe pain, usually in the trigeminal nerve distribution. Eating, brushing, shaving, and even a breeze can trigger trigeminal neuralgia. It’s only a matter of time before a patient walks into your practice showing symptoms that appear to be tooth related, but are actually neurological.

Trigeminal neuropathic pain cannot
be resolved with dental procedures.

VisitFirst
The majority of TN patients visit a dentist first
wordcloud2
Word cloud using patient’s actual words
Dental-Procedures
Dental procedures performed on TN patients

Featured Resource

What is an Orofacial Pain Dentist?

Dr. Stanley Markman’s personal story about orofacial pain.

Recorded Webinars

Lauren Levi, DMD MS
Asher Mansdorf, DDS MS
Recorded
1 CE Available

The Many Faces of Orofacial Pain - The Difference Between Toothaches and Neuropathic Facial Pain

Orofacial pain comes in many shapes and sizes. This lecture by Dr. Lauren Levi and Dr. Asher Mansdorf will introduce you to a variety of orofacial pain conditions through a case-based format. Attendees will become familiar with the signs and symptoms of orofacial pain conditions and non-odontogenic toothaches and learn methods to help differentiate among various orofacial pain conditions (like trigeminal neuralgia). You will also gain an understanding of how to take a detailed history and physical exam to diagnose these conditions and treatment options from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Emily Boge, EDD, RDH, CDA FAADH, FADHA
Recorded
1 CE Available

Pain In The What? Cracking the Code on Chronic Pain in the Dental Hygiene Chair

Dr. Boge provides clear information and guidance specifically for hygienists, as they navigate the new ADA specialty orofacial pain. The role of the dental hygienist is essential in idenifying orofacial pain like trigeminal neuralgia since it often mimics dental pain. Learn how to assess, what to look for and next steps if you suspect a neuropathic condition in your patients with recurring pain.
Brijesh Chandwani, DMD, BDS
Recorded
1 CE Available

Orofacial Pain, Dentistry's Newest Specialty: What It Is, How it Affects Dentists, and Why Your Treatment Choice Matters

Dr. Chandwani talks about the basics of orofacial pain and why it is relevant to dentists. Learn how to recognize some of dentistry’s phantom pains, including atypical odontalgia by seeing real cases of how trigeminal neuralgia presents in the dentist’s chair. Attendees will also understand the differential diagnoses in orofacial pain – when to treat and when to refer out and different treatment options available to help patients with pain – topicals, pharmaceuticals, and complementary medicine.

Donald Nixdorf, DDS, MS
Recorded
1 CE Available

Can You Spot The Difference? Real Stories From My Chair About Neuropathic Facial Pain

Dr. Nixdorf covers the important similarities and differences between TN and dental pain and the symptoms to look out for so you and your team can quickly identify. He also reveals the top 3 ‘mimics’ of trigeminal neuralgia dental practices see on a regular basis and what to do after you suspect your patient has trigeminal neuralgia or neuropathic pain.

More Resources

Five Things To Know About Trigeminal Neuralgia

This one-page fact sheet is a perfect way to start educating your dental team on trigeminal neuralgia. 54% of TN patients visit their dentist first, so it’s important that dental practices know dental pain from neuropathic facial pain.

Can you diagnose
trigeminal neuralgia?

Take the quiz and find out.

Resources