Ongoing tooth pain in front tooth / Atypical odontalgia?

Posted by plo99ca @plo99ca, Sep 4, 2023

I have been dealing with dull aching tooth pain at tooth number 9 which is one of my two front teeth. Multiple dentists and specialists have looked at it and determined there is no dental cause for the pain. I had a root canal in hopes that would fix it, and that seemed to just make it feel worse. Most of the doctors think I probably have atypical odontalgia. I am taking amitriptyline 50 mg every night for pain. I think it helped initially with the pain but now it seems that the pain has returned. I could try having it removed but it’s a front tooth so it’s hard to function and work without it. Anyone else experienced something like this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@plo99ca

Work with a PT on temporalis/masseter/neck/
shoulder-trigger points.

They hit the teeth.

REPLY
@nrd1

@plo99ca

Work with a PT on temporalis/masseter/neck/
shoulder-trigger points.

They hit the teeth.

Jump to this post

@plo99ca

I’ve attached the possible explanation. Specialists who do surgeries or extractions or anything that sells you on something will rarely discuss or grasp this…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PAu4liGQQZs
REPLY
@nrd1

@plo99ca

I’ve attached the possible explanation. Specialists who do surgeries or extractions or anything that sells you on something will rarely discuss or grasp this…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PAu4liGQQZs

Jump to this post

Thank you, that’s very helpful. I am going to see if I can find a PT person in my area who specializes in this.

REPLY
@plo99ca

Thank you, that’s very helpful. I am going to see if I can find a PT person in my area who specializes in this.

Jump to this post

Hello, I have been dealing with the same issue for about 3 years. It has been tough. I've been to numerous dentists, endodontist, oral surgeons, neurologists, and facial pain specialists. I have a lot of knowledge because of all I have been through and I am still looking for an end. Let me know if I can help out with info.

REPLY

@jjs1013

Do you also have neck shoulder tightness?

Trigeminal-Cervical Nucleus hits the teeth. Careful if you have temporalis/masseter tightness. This musculoskeletal tightness radiates to the teeth.

REPLY

I have intermittent pain in my top, left front tooth with no underlying problem. I have gone to the dentist and endodontist and there’s nothing wrong. It’s frustrating. I’ll check out these suggestions.

I also have intermittent pain just under my ears in jaw? Could this cause taste and tongue problems?

REPLY

Anyone else dealing with atypical pain in a tooth or teeth which is not dental in origin? I have been dealing with this for a long time and am frustrated. I tried Amitriptyline and was surprised that it did help; however after many months I weaned off due to side effects and concerns about my memory and cognitive decline resulting from long term use of that medication... I noticed that I was forgetting things much more often. I have an appointment with a physical therapist to try to investigate possible TMJ/bruxism and trigger points in face/jaw muscles. I'm actively looking for other options that may have worked for others. Any feedback from those who've had similar issues greatly appreciated. Wishing you good health.

REPLY
@jjs1013

Hello, I have been dealing with the same issue for about 3 years. It has been tough. I've been to numerous dentists, endodontist, oral surgeons, neurologists, and facial pain specialists. I have a lot of knowledge because of all I have been through and I am still looking for an end. Let me know if I can help out with info.

Jump to this post

Hello @jjs1013, How are you doing with this issue? I had significant pain relief with Amitriptyline but stopped due to side effects (weight gain plus my memory started to be impacted...the memory thing scared me). Now pain has returned. Sort of a low grade burning feeling above my front tooth. How are you feeling?

REPLY

I believe it is all related to your Trigeminal nerve and considered PTTN(post traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy). I too have dental pain post crown placement in my two front teeth. My pain management doctor has put me on Low Dose Naltrexone ,LDN for short since I have so many allergies. You start on a super low dose and work your dosage up. I am on my third week and feel it has made a difference. You may want to start researching this as there is a lot of good information about the use of this drug and ask your pain management physician.

REPLY
@plo99ca

Anyone else dealing with atypical pain in a tooth or teeth which is not dental in origin? I have been dealing with this for a long time and am frustrated. I tried Amitriptyline and was surprised that it did help; however after many months I weaned off due to side effects and concerns about my memory and cognitive decline resulting from long term use of that medication... I noticed that I was forgetting things much more often. I have an appointment with a physical therapist to try to investigate possible TMJ/bruxism and trigger points in face/jaw muscles. I'm actively looking for other options that may have worked for others. Any feedback from those who've had similar issues greatly appreciated. Wishing you good health.

Jump to this post

Praying for you. I have TMJ & Bruxism. My teeth became very sensitive. If you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, it makes them ultra sensitive. I even chipped my front tooth doing this before I realized I was grinding my teeth in my sleep. As much as 250 pounds of force come down on our teeth when when your grind them. It can crack your teeth, weaken your teeth and cause other problems. I would definitely get this checked. God Bless You!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.