Any dentists? Please help me!
Discussion
Hi,
I'm hoping someone can help - I'm literally at my wits end with toothache of one kind or another.
Long story short, I have intermittent pain in multiple teeth, but mainly 1 bottom one (1 left of Middle) and 2 upper front teeth. I have seen 3 dentists (all private) and been referred to the hospital twice but they cannot find anything wrong.
I've had x-Rays, tried night guards, vitality tests - you name it is probably been done. The dentist has suggested pain management/psychology but I really can't see how that would help?
The pain isn't triggered by anything, and it's not sharp - more of a dull ache but it's highly irritating. This has been going on for 2 years at least.
I'm at the stage now where I'd consider having them all taken out as I don't feel like I can live like this for much longer. It's difficult to explain to others who have no tooth pain but there is literally not a day that passes where I'm not in pain. It affects all aspects of my life, has ruined holidays and other occasions and I'm really quite depressed over it all (sounds dramatic I know). I have 2 young children and I just want to get back to being my usual self.
If anyone reading this has even a slight suggestion or what might help or what might be the cause I'd really really appreciate it.
I'm hoping someone can help - I'm literally at my wits end with toothache of one kind or another.
Long story short, I have intermittent pain in multiple teeth, but mainly 1 bottom one (1 left of Middle) and 2 upper front teeth. I have seen 3 dentists (all private) and been referred to the hospital twice but they cannot find anything wrong.
I've had x-Rays, tried night guards, vitality tests - you name it is probably been done. The dentist has suggested pain management/psychology but I really can't see how that would help?
The pain isn't triggered by anything, and it's not sharp - more of a dull ache but it's highly irritating. This has been going on for 2 years at least.
I'm at the stage now where I'd consider having them all taken out as I don't feel like I can live like this for much longer. It's difficult to explain to others who have no tooth pain but there is literally not a day that passes where I'm not in pain. It affects all aspects of my life, has ruined holidays and other occasions and I'm really quite depressed over it all (sounds dramatic I know). I have 2 young children and I just want to get back to being my usual self.
If anyone reading this has even a slight suggestion or what might help or what might be the cause I'd really really appreciate it.
A few years ago my Mum had serious pain in one of her molars. Over the course of two and a half months she had a new filling (it had had a filling in the past), a root canal and then had it taken out when she was still in a serious amount of pain and there was nothing else left, the dentist suspected there was a hairline crack that wasn't showing up on the x-rays.
After she had the tooth out the pain then "moved" to the next tooth along, at which point the dentist suggested that she go see the GP.
Within 5 minutes of seeing her GP she was diagnosed with arthritis in her jaw and given some anti-inflammatories, within 2 hours of taking them the pain had gone.
If multiple dentists can't find the problem then go to a doctor instead, just because it's your teeth hurting doesn't mean they're the problem. It could be your sinuses, it could be a different problem with your jaw.
After she had the tooth out the pain then "moved" to the next tooth along, at which point the dentist suggested that she go see the GP.
Within 5 minutes of seeing her GP she was diagnosed with arthritis in her jaw and given some anti-inflammatories, within 2 hours of taking them the pain had gone.
If multiple dentists can't find the problem then go to a doctor instead, just because it's your teeth hurting doesn't mean they're the problem. It could be your sinuses, it could be a different problem with your jaw.
I really appreciate your replies.
Having a filling, followed by root canal followed by extraction is exactly the route I've been down - only for the pain to move to the next tooth along. This has happened on both sides of my mouth.
I have been to my GP about it but he was of no use at all. I'm not sure if it's related but I have a B12 deficiency and very low folic acid - starting my next course of injections tomorrow.
It has cost me a fortune so far (upwards of £2.5k) and I'm no further forward.
Having a filling, followed by root canal followed by extraction is exactly the route I've been down - only for the pain to move to the next tooth along. This has happened on both sides of my mouth.
I have been to my GP about it but he was of no use at all. I'm not sure if it's related but I have a B12 deficiency and very low folic acid - starting my next course of injections tomorrow.
It has cost me a fortune so far (upwards of £2.5k) and I'm no further forward.
I have had patients where the pain moved from tooth to tooth, various diagnoses made ranging from cracked teeth to dead nerves and everything in between. A few patients were prescribed amitryptiline and described the pain being put out "like a light". Don't get your hopes up, but it's certainly something to pursue.
cringle said:
I have had patients where the pain moved from tooth to tooth, various diagnoses made ranging from cracked teeth to dead nerves and everything in between. A few patients were prescribed amitryptiline and described the pain being put out "like a light". Don't get your hopes up, but it's certainly something to pursue.
thatr would mean believing in 'pain management clinic' ... which interestignly enough tend to be collaboratively run between psychcologists and anaesthetists ... cringle said:
I have had patients where the pain moved from tooth to tooth, various diagnoses made ranging from cracked teeth to dead nerves and everything in between. A few patients were prescribed amitryptiline and described the pain being put out "like a light". Don't get your hopes up, but it's certainly something to pursue.
I already take amitriptyline 20mg at night to help me sleep - without them I wake up every hour. Appreciate the response though.I think two options.
Grinding or clenching teeth.
Neuro or psycho genicpain.
Or combination of both (likely)
Causes from physical pathology are incredibly unlikely to affect upper/lower like that. Different branches of major nerves (trigeminal), kinda rules out the neuralgia option. This more typically gives a facial pain rather than specific teeth.
As for night guards, are the hard ones? Proper orthopaedic splints needed to relive symptoms in a heavy grinder. Did you have braces when you were younger? Do your jaws click, feel tight? Sore jaw joint or muscles? Frequent headaches?
This could be combined with atypical facial pain, which is often linked to stress and/or depression.
Whilst some may say, it just in your head, it doesn't make it any less real and management is key. You need to look at this aspect of your life and be frank, if there is any element here, help is available! We often place a stigma on requiring help or accepting non-physical illness, never unestimate the power of the mind.
I've seen this on a few occasions, most have sought help and symptoms have largely resolved.
Hope that helps a bit
Grinding or clenching teeth.
Neuro or psycho genicpain.
Or combination of both (likely)
Causes from physical pathology are incredibly unlikely to affect upper/lower like that. Different branches of major nerves (trigeminal), kinda rules out the neuralgia option. This more typically gives a facial pain rather than specific teeth.
As for night guards, are the hard ones? Proper orthopaedic splints needed to relive symptoms in a heavy grinder. Did you have braces when you were younger? Do your jaws click, feel tight? Sore jaw joint or muscles? Frequent headaches?
This could be combined with atypical facial pain, which is often linked to stress and/or depression.
Whilst some may say, it just in your head, it doesn't make it any less real and management is key. You need to look at this aspect of your life and be frank, if there is any element here, help is available! We often place a stigma on requiring help or accepting non-physical illness, never unestimate the power of the mind.
I've seen this on a few occasions, most have sought help and symptoms have largely resolved.
Hope that helps a bit
Also, the anaemia you mention is well documented to give some people painful syndromes such as burning mouth syndrome. You typically get multiple ulcers too.
Do you think you suffer with acid reflux? Could be the erosion from this, morally seen on one side lower back. Could show a reduction in VIT b12 as you need a stomach excretion (intrinsic factor) to absorb, this is what causes pernicious anaemia. I'm thinking out loud here HOUSE style, but I think everything has to be considered in your case.
It can also cause peripheral neuropathy, the specific pain you have is new to me however, perhaps not beyond doubt though, pain manifests itself in different ways in every person.
Do you think you suffer with acid reflux? Could be the erosion from this, morally seen on one side lower back. Could show a reduction in VIT b12 as you need a stomach excretion (intrinsic factor) to absorb, this is what causes pernicious anaemia. I'm thinking out loud here HOUSE style, but I think everything has to be considered in your case.
It can also cause peripheral neuropathy, the specific pain you have is new to me however, perhaps not beyond doubt though, pain manifests itself in different ways in every person.
Major bump - I'm still suffering quite badly with this.
I think if I didn't have children I'd probably do something quite drastic when its at its worst - I really cant bear it anymore.
I take a combination of amitriptyline, nortriptyline, gabapentin and the usual pain killers (mainly cocodamol). This cant be good for me - Ive been taking them like this for years.
I continue to try different dentists, some of the best in Glos & Chelt and they all say the same - everything looks ok.
I have been referred to the Bristol Dental Hospital who again said the same thing - they suggested a hard splint. After 4 visits with moulds/x rays etc I now have the splint and have been using it for several weeks - its made no difference.
I have been to see my doctor about it several times too - they have suggested experimenting with different tablets to hopefully find something that helps. They have suggested referring me to a pain clinic but this hasn't happened as yet.
The pain is unpredictable, and feels like a nerve pain in each tooth. The teeth themselves look fine, and dentists have said if the nerve was dying, they would expect to see and abscess/infection after this long a period (some of the teeth have been hurting for 3 years).
I know I'm clutching at straws but am posting out of desperation. If anyone has any ideas or know someone/somewhere that might help I'd be eternally grateful. I have to assume that this pain will go away at some point in my life - I cant imagine living with it forever. For my kids sake I just want to go back to normal life.
Thanks for reading.
I think if I didn't have children I'd probably do something quite drastic when its at its worst - I really cant bear it anymore.
I take a combination of amitriptyline, nortriptyline, gabapentin and the usual pain killers (mainly cocodamol). This cant be good for me - Ive been taking them like this for years.
I continue to try different dentists, some of the best in Glos & Chelt and they all say the same - everything looks ok.
I have been referred to the Bristol Dental Hospital who again said the same thing - they suggested a hard splint. After 4 visits with moulds/x rays etc I now have the splint and have been using it for several weeks - its made no difference.
I have been to see my doctor about it several times too - they have suggested experimenting with different tablets to hopefully find something that helps. They have suggested referring me to a pain clinic but this hasn't happened as yet.
The pain is unpredictable, and feels like a nerve pain in each tooth. The teeth themselves look fine, and dentists have said if the nerve was dying, they would expect to see and abscess/infection after this long a period (some of the teeth have been hurting for 3 years).
I know I'm clutching at straws but am posting out of desperation. If anyone has any ideas or know someone/somewhere that might help I'd be eternally grateful. I have to assume that this pain will go away at some point in my life - I cant imagine living with it forever. For my kids sake I just want to go back to normal life.
Thanks for reading.
f1dget said:
Have any of the dentists/doctors looked at tri-genomal neuralgia? It's more prevalent in women but does affect men as well.
The symptoms range from mildly irritating pain right through to cut my f
king head off,morphine isn't helping pain.
Did you take any action based on this post?The symptoms range from mildly irritating pain right through to cut my f
king head off,morphine isn't helping pain.I had this a couple of years ago, which manifested itself initially as tootache on one side of my face (both upper and lower back teeth), but then spread out along my cheek bone and also up the side of my head. They treated it with anti-inflammatory drugs - took a couple of months to get rid of it.
It still flares up occasionally, but I just take the anti-infammatories as soon as I feel it and it goes after a couple of days.
I sympathise with you - it really is terribly painful.
Major bump - still suffering really badly with this.
The dentists are almost irritated with me - "why are you here" etc.
I'm considering implants to replace the ones that cause me the most pain. Might not work, but I'm at the stage where I'll try anything.
Last night was particularly bad, if I didn't have a wife and children I probably would've taken an overdose of painkillers or something.
Can anyone recommend someone in the Glos/Chelt/Bristol or surrounding areas that might be able to help?
If nothing else, I'll leave this here so that when I do commit suicide, friends/family will have concrete reasoning as to why (I don't think they appreciate the extent of the pain).
The dentists are almost irritated with me - "why are you here" etc.
I'm considering implants to replace the ones that cause me the most pain. Might not work, but I'm at the stage where I'll try anything.
Last night was particularly bad, if I didn't have a wife and children I probably would've taken an overdose of painkillers or something.
Can anyone recommend someone in the Glos/Chelt/Bristol or surrounding areas that might be able to help?
If nothing else, I'll leave this here so that when I do commit suicide, friends/family will have concrete reasoning as to why (I don't think they appreciate the extent of the pain).
sunbeam alpine said:
Did you take any action based on this post?
I had this a couple of years ago, which manifested itself initially as tootache on one side of my face (both upper and lower back teeth), but then spread out along my cheek bone and also up the side of my head. They treated it with anti-inflammatory drugs - took a couple of months to get rid of it.
It still flares up occasionally, but I just take the anti-infammatories as soon as I feel it and it goes after a couple of days.
I sympathise with you - it really is terribly painful.
I think you mean trigeminal neuralgia:I had this a couple of years ago, which manifested itself initially as tootache on one side of my face (both upper and lower back teeth), but then spread out along my cheek bone and also up the side of my head. They treated it with anti-inflammatory drugs - took a couple of months to get rid of it.
It still flares up occasionally, but I just take the anti-infammatories as soon as I feel it and it goes after a couple of days.
I sympathise with you - it really is terribly painful.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2577935/...
mattknight1984 said:
If nothing else, I'll leave this here so that when I do commit suicide, friends/family will have concrete reasoning as to why (I don't think they appreciate the extent of the pain).
You have to get this sorted OP, you can't be thinking like this. I appreciate you're at your wits end and I wish I had any help to give but if you're getting to the point of suicide getting this sorted needs to take precedence over everything else.Are there any really top guys in this field anywhere in the country? Probably cost a fortune and require a lot of travelling but you have to see the best now. If all the experts think the teeth are fine I don't think implants would help. Really sorry I can't offer anything constructive but hang in there fella.
Driller said:
Matt as you're in the area have you tried Bristol Dental Hospital? They have a renowned oral medicine department.
I have, I was referred there by my original dentist and visited multiple times between April and Oct last year. I had splints made and other tests but they said they couldn't find anything. Doctors/hospitals/pain clinics are at a loss too :-(I still believe it's a multiple tooth problem, maybe they are slowly dying or something I don't know. All I know is it's been going on for 4 years and I'm totally drained from it. I have 2 lovely boys but it affects me daily and I'm not myself - I feel like they deserve better and I don't want to be here anymore living like this.
If they're not helping much with the pain, stop taking those bloody drugs that the doctor is prescribing you, they're probably making you feel like you do now.
I suffer from random tooth pain off and on but I have had just about every tooth in my head filled over the years, so I accept that I will get some pain.
I'm sure your pain is a lot worse than I get, but for me I've found that taking an over the counter antihistamine when it's bad helps but takes a few hours to work.
I'm not sure why this works but it may be worth you trying it, I assume it reduces inflammation of the nerves or sinus pressure?
I note than in a previous post you say that you have been diagnosed with b12 deficiency, is treatment for this still ongoing?
I suffer from random tooth pain off and on but I have had just about every tooth in my head filled over the years, so I accept that I will get some pain.
I'm sure your pain is a lot worse than I get, but for me I've found that taking an over the counter antihistamine when it's bad helps but takes a few hours to work.
I'm not sure why this works but it may be worth you trying it, I assume it reduces inflammation of the nerves or sinus pressure?
I note than in a previous post you say that you have been diagnosed with b12 deficiency, is treatment for this still ongoing?
Hi Matt
I've spoken with a friend of mine who is a dentist.
He says it's very likely to be ATP (Atypical Facial Pain) or Cranial Nerve Pain related - not tooth related. Sometimes this can be related to unaddressed stress or depression issues.
He advises you see an Oral Medicine specialist. That's a fully qualified doctor-trained dentist. It takes around 18-20 years to qualify, so they are pretty rare on the ground.
http://www.dentalhospital.ie/clinicalacademic-divi...
^^ Both highly recommended.
Best of luck.
I've spoken with a friend of mine who is a dentist.
He says it's very likely to be ATP (Atypical Facial Pain) or Cranial Nerve Pain related - not tooth related. Sometimes this can be related to unaddressed stress or depression issues.
He advises you see an Oral Medicine specialist. That's a fully qualified doctor-trained dentist. It takes around 18-20 years to qualify, so they are pretty rare on the ground.
http://www.dentalhospital.ie/clinicalacademic-divi...
^^ Both highly recommended.
Best of luck.
Edited by 6th Gear on Thursday 5th May 06:26
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