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Original poster

I am so depressed and feel dreadful due to severe dental/facial pain and can't get any help!

30 replies

StressyHead · 03/02/2004 11:39

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spacemonkey · 03/02/2004 11:43

stressyhead, you poor thing

although nothing like as bad as yours, i had a recurrent problem with one of my lower molars. I kept getting abscesses (pain WAY worse than childbirth!!) - after which I had root canal treatment on it which didn't work - more abscesses followed. Eventually I had the tooth removed and no problems since. Has the dentist suggested removing the troublesome tooth?

Original poster
StressyHead · 03/02/2004 11:49

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ks · 03/02/2004 11:51

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spacemonkey · 03/02/2004 11:53

no - the dentist suggested i see how it goes with a gap with the option of having a bridge later

the gap doesn't show although on closer inspection it does look a bit billy bob in there

sorry, i know my advice is probably useless, i just had to post to say i completely sympathise about the pain - i've never experienced anything like it and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy

Original poster
StressyHead · 03/02/2004 12:17

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Blu · 03/02/2004 12:18

Ooooh, just wanted to wince in sympathy. this sounds horrible, both the physical pain and the frustration and expense. It does seem bizarrre that it can't be properley diagnosed on the NHS. I presume they have taken recent x rays?

Original poster
StressyHead · 03/02/2004 12:19

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StressyHead · 03/02/2004 12:21

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bundle · 03/02/2004 12:51

stressyhead, I'm sorry you're having such a tough time, especially when some help seems tantalisingly close but for the finances...
I don't know if it'll help but here's a link to the
trigeminal neuralgia association - which although it's not exactly what you've got, they are people who suffer from terrible chronic pain & there are links eg to chronic pain clinics around the UK - you could ring them & ask how to get a referral!! - while you're waiting to get the root (sorry about the pun) of the problem sorted out. good luck

pie · 03/02/2004 12:57

That sounds so painful, I'm sorry your feeling so down (())

Original poster
StressyHead · 03/02/2004 13:20

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suedonim · 03/02/2004 13:45

Stressyhead, sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. Face pain is almost impossible to ignore, isn't it, it so there all the time. Re NHS treatment, you may find that the waiting times vary at different hospitals. Our nearest hospital has a three yr waiting list but if a patient is prepared to travel a bit further to another city, they can be seen almost immediately. If it's possible for you, it may be worth telling your GP you're prepared to travel.

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StressyHead · 03/02/2004 13:48

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bobthebaby · 03/02/2004 18:43

You poor thing. I have had a root canal this week (which better work, as I was ready to have the damn thing out it was so painful) and I am having sinus surgery in March. At the back of my mind I am still convinced I will get these pains on and off. It's just so difficult to track it down isn't it?

I found acupuncture moderately helpful, in that it cured the pain around the tooth, just leaving the painful tooth painful IYSWIM. I also found a wheat bag on the nape of my neck relaxing. Again my sympathies, it's the worst pain.

Original poster
StressyHead · 03/02/2004 19:44

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hmb · 03/02/2004 20:23

If it is trigeminal neuralgia, then some patients get relief when reated with a drug normaly used to treat epilepsy (not that TGN is epilepsy IYSWIM). It is not a licenced use, but most GPs know about it, The drug is called Carbamazepine (brand name Tegretol)

HTH and that you feel better soon.

Joshjunior · 03/02/2004 22:24

My mum had Trigem. Neuralgia in her 40's - I don't know how old you are but was interested that your GP said you were too young. She had Tegratol and it did the job. Has been free of it for years now. Hope this may help.

robinw · 04/02/2004 07:32

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ks · 04/02/2004 09:57

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SecondhandRose · 04/02/2004 20:10

Stressyhead, I worked in NHS dentistry for many years. If you are in pain and needing treatment, you will be covered under the NHS. You do not have to see anybody privately.

Have you had an x-ray taken to see if the roots of the root filled tooth are infected at all by an abscess? This would cause you pain.

It is possible to have the root filling removed and re-done. Sometimes there can be 4 root canals and the dentist only finds and cleans 3 so this can still result in on-going pain.

Can I ask is the pain worse if you put your head by your knees (standing up)? This would tend to suggest a sinus problem.

If the pain is chronic and been going on for so long why not ask your GP to refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist?

In my experience dentists used neuralgia when they didn't know what else could be wrong!

HTH

Original poster
StressyHead · 05/02/2004 09:43

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robinw · 05/02/2004 10:31

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Thomcat · 05/02/2004 10:39

oh Stressyhead you poor thing.

bundle · 05/02/2004 10:41

stressyhead, antidepressants are widely and successfully used to treat chronic pain. they act to 'relax' you rather than treat any 'depression' and along with other approaches eg cognitive behavioural therapy have been shown to be v beneficial in treating severe, chronic pain. where do you live? I've visited some of the pain management clinics and they're excellent, but they do have waiting lists.

Original poster
StressyHead · 05/02/2004 10:51

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