Face pain? They said it was the nerve?

[boodles8]

I'm about three months postop mandibular setback. Ever since maybe 6 weeks, I've had this pain below the corners of my lips, maybe halfway down to the bottom of my face and also my gums, both sides. I was told then that it was nerve pain from the nerve coming back.

At that time, it hurt to press on it. Now, it hurts to slide my finger over my skin every so gently, and not so much to press on it. Brushing my teeth is just an awful twice daily experience, I have to be careful how I use silverware, and I can't wear certain clothes that would rub against my face. Just so you get an idea how sensitive we're talking.

Anyone else had this? I'm seeing the surgeon in three weeks and will ask again, but some non-surgeon reassurance, or (opposite of) reassurance would be nice. Cuz I'm getting just a tad concerned.

[Poll]

You have unhealthy / neuropathic pain probably. 70 % of patients with altered sensation feel pain. Most of people have combination of numbness (anesthesia), altered sensation (paresthesia) and pain.

I would suggest that you seek the expertise of Dr. Tara Renton in the UK. She is faculty at the King's college of dentistry in London if you are located in UK. They have nice website for patients and doctors http://trigeminalnerve.org.uk

[boodles8]

Thanks for the reply, Poll. For any others who run across this thread, I'm actually doing much better now. I'm eight months postop. I still have some pain there, but nothing like I did. Sandwiches or pizza and such large things still hurt when they rub against my face when I bite, but I can otherwise eat fine. Surprisingly, brushing my teeth is all right--not great, but certainly not a task I dread. Also lots of numbness. I was warned about the numbness and that it might not go away. The present situation is certainly not unlivable.

Thanks for the website. I did look around and it's very informative. Because I am located in the USA, I probably won't be making the trek out to her.

[Poll]

Great to hear you are doing better! I also found the UK website very informative.

I recommend also to check out this book "Trigeminal nerve injuries" Miloro, Michael (Ed.) if you are in the USA.
http://www.springer.com/medicine/surger ... 42-35538-7
You can read two pages of each chapter for free. Two pages contain a lot of information for the non specialist.