Dental Emergency    Call: 578-3776

NEUROPATHIC PAIN

Neuropathic pain is a pathophysiologic pain that is chronic in nature even after all injured tissues have healed.

If pain in an area persists long enough, peripheral and central nervous system changes can occur that perpetuate and even amplify the sensation and experience of pain after the offending cause of the original pain is no longer present. When such a pain state exists, prescription medications and alternative modes of therapy such as acupuncture, stress reduction, and meditation can help break or reduce the pain cycle.

Chronic/neuropathic pain in TMJ and face can be a result of long-standing:

• Microtrauma such as grinding and clenching
• Macrotrauma such as whiplash or blow to the face, chin, or head
• Dental restorations that significantly increase disharmony
• Tooth loss
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis