Facial Pain

Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain

When a muscle that supports the TMJ becomes tight and overly strained, the muscle fibers can develop a highly sensitive area, or a ‘knot’ that is a source of chronic pain. This knotted area is also known as a ‘trigger point’.

Trigger points can also occur in other muscles in the body. A muscle trigger point causes tissue inflammation and area nerve irritation that can branch out to affect other parts of the body (referred pain). Trigger points and referred pain are classified as myofascial pain syndrome.

Treatment for Myofascial Pain and Facial Trigger Points

When a trigger point is identified in a facial muscle, Dr. Bennett can sometimes administer a ‘trigger point injection’. Dr. Bennett makes a small injection directly into the trigger point, either with a small amount of local dental anesthetic, or without any medication at all. The trigger point injection is intended to disrupt the pain receptors and provide relief.

Dr. Bennett will recommend follow-up visits for management of TMJ disorders and facial pain or referral to medical specialists as needed.

Facial Neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that is distributed within the mouth, across the jaw and face, and along either side of the head. It sends signals directly to the brain to register sensations in these areas.

A diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia, or facial neuralgia, describes a shooting, burning pain in the mouth or across the face and head (some patients describe the pain as feeling like an electric shock). Others may report a constant burning sensation in the mouth or on the face. Some patients find that pain attacks occur after an activity, like brushing their teeth or washing their face, or as a reaction to other contact to the face.

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia can experience these pain attacks repeatedly, ranging from once in a while to several times per day. Trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by damage to the nerve itself or may be related to a medical condition. Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed by medical professionals with an MRI scan.

Dr. Bennett works with her patients and medical professionals to diagnose temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) that cause facial and jaw pain. In the course of the diagnostic process, she may encounter symptoms that suggest that the patient may be suffering with trigeminal neuralgia. In those cases, she will refer the patient to medical specialists for further analysis and MRI studies.