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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In The Ears And Jaw After A Root Canal Treatment?

I have had ear pain/jaw pain since a root canal a year ago. Shortly after procedure developed chills, fever, respiratory infection. Was also bit by insect (had bullseye) and treated for Lyme during same time. All Lyme tests were negative but had high wbc (12-16) all other labs normal except hypersegmented neutrophils present. ID doc thought CLL and wanted Flow test but was overruled by hematologist since no other symptoms. Over the course of a year have had several recurring illnesses, joint pain, low grade fevers, continued ear pain, jaw pain, tooth pain. Had several visits with specialists, had scans and bloodwork. Now told I have TMJ, LSN (vocal cord hypersensitivity), reflux, anxiety, and possible nerve damage in jaw from tooth surgery. Next move is an allergist. I am done with being passed around and having tests with no answers. Suggestions? Lyme, Leukemia, Tooth issue or just bad luck!!!
Tue, 11 Apr 2017
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Dentist, Orthodontics 's  Response
Greetings from healthcare magic members,

Viewing your query, i can understand your reason of worry and bothersome.
Since you have suffered from painful symptoms following root canal treatment, you are relating your pain to dental treatment. However, with such presentations as your case, i think that the cause of your painful symptoms could be multifactorial. There is a possibility of having nerve disorder called "Trigerminal neuralgia" (TN). It is a painful disorder of fifth cranial nerve that causes episodes of sudden sharp,piercing or electric current like pain on entire half of the face and may cause pain in teeth, joints and surrounding muscles. The pain usually last for two minutes or less and in most cases affect one side of the face. The pain often is triggered facial movements like talking, eating, smiling, chewing, brushing the teeth, shaving or touching the face.

Dental procedures do not cause TN. The development of TN in association with dental procedures usually occurs because patients with trigeminal neuralgia often go to a dentist when they have toothaches, which often are caused initially by TN and not the dental maneuvers. It can also occur after viral infection (herpes virus etc) with fever, chills and blisters in mouth.

However, before coming to any definitive diagnosis it is important to rule out other medical and dental conditions that cause similar symptoms.

1. First rule out the dental cause: For that, i would suggest you to get your x-ray done to look for any signs of infection remaining.

2. Any areas of painful facial blisters – can be herpes or shingles: Facial pain can last for weeks after the blisters heal, especially in cases of shingles.

3. Any other systemic medical condition such as multiple sclerosis

If regular painkillers such as paracetamol/panadol is not relieving your painful episodes, you probably suffering from TN or other similar nerve problems. I recommend you to follow the aforementioned points and consult your general physician for further investigation.

Hope this answers your question. If you have any further query then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best regards
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What Causes Pain In The Ears And Jaw After A Root Canal Treatment?

Greetings from healthcare magic members, Viewing your query, i can understand your reason of worry and bothersome. Since you have suffered from painful symptoms following root canal treatment, you are relating your pain to dental treatment. However, with such presentations as your case, i think that the cause of your painful symptoms could be multifactorial. There is a possibility of having nerve disorder called Trigerminal neuralgia (TN). It is a painful disorder of fifth cranial nerve that causes episodes of sudden sharp,piercing or electric current like pain on entire half of the face and may cause pain in teeth, joints and surrounding muscles. The pain usually last for two minutes or less and in most cases affect one side of the face. The pain often is triggered facial movements like talking, eating, smiling, chewing, brushing the teeth, shaving or touching the face. Dental procedures do not cause TN. The development of TN in association with dental procedures usually occurs because patients with trigeminal neuralgia often go to a dentist when they have toothaches, which often are caused initially by TN and not the dental maneuvers. It can also occur after viral infection (herpes virus etc) with fever, chills and blisters in mouth. However, before coming to any definitive diagnosis it is important to rule out other medical and dental conditions that cause similar symptoms. 1. First rule out the dental cause: For that, i would suggest you to get your x-ray done to look for any signs of infection remaining. 2. Any areas of painful facial blisters – can be herpes or shingles: Facial pain can last for weeks after the blisters heal, especially in cases of shingles. 3. Any other systemic medical condition such as multiple sclerosis If regular painkillers such as paracetamol/panadol is not relieving your painful episodes, you probably suffering from TN or other similar nerve problems. I recommend you to follow the aforementioned points and consult your general physician for further investigation. Hope this answers your question. If you have any further query then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Best regards