Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (PTTNP)
Persistent facial pain after dental work or injury? It might be nerve-related.
If you’re experiencing lingering pain, tingling, or burning in your face after dental treatment, surgery, or trauma—and nothing seems to explain it—you may be dealing with Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (PTTNP). At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we specialize in accurately diagnosing and treating this often-overlooked condition.
What Is Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy?
PTTNP is a type of facial nerve pain that develops after an injury to one of the branches of the trigeminal nerve. It can be caused by dental extractions, implant placement, root canal therapy, facial trauma, or even local anesthesia. Instead of healing normally, the nerve becomes dysfunctional—leading to persistent, neuropathic pain.
What are the common symptoms of PTTNP
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Burning, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation
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pain feels deep rooted
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Aching pain in the teeth, gums, lips, or chin with no cause or origin
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Numbness or altered sensation in the affected area
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Pain that persists for weeks or months after the inciting event such as trauma, extraction, root canal, filling
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Hypersensitive to touch
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Pain that does not respond to treatments
What are the Common Triggers of PTTNP
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Dental extractions (especially lower molars or wisdom teeth)
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Dental implant surgery
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Root canal treatment
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Orthognathic surgery or trauma to the face/jaw
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Nerve injury from local anesthetic injections
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Facial injuries (e.g., fractures, cuts, blunt trauma)
Why It’s Often Misdiagnosed
Because the pain is located in the teeth or jaw, patients often return to their dentist or oral surgeon for follow-up—but traditional dental imaging like X-rays or CT scans may show nothing wrong. As a result, PTTNP is frequently misattributed to:
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Failed root canals
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Residual infection
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TMJ disorders
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Psychosomatic pain
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“Phantom” dental pain
Unfortunately, patients may undergo unnecessary retreatments or even extractions, worsening the nerve irritation.
Diagnosis at Our Center
Our founder, Dr. Chandrashekhar, board-certified in Orofacial Pain and trained in neuropathic facial pain management, performs a thorough diagnostic workup, which may include:
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Detailed symptom mapping and clinical examination
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Sensory testing to detect loss, gain, or altered sensation
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Screening for red flag symptoms to rule out other causes
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Referral for high-resolution imaging or neurology consults when needed
We focus on identifying neuropathic pain patterns, not just visible dental pathology.
Treatment Options We Offer
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we focus on non-invasive, evidence-based therapies that support nerve healing and reduce central sensitization:
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Neurosensory oral stents to reduce mechanical irritation and allow nerve recovery
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Low-Level Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation) to promote nerve repair and pain relief
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Peripheral nerve blocks for diagnostic clarity and therapeutic relief
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Lifestyle and nutrition counseling to support nerve health and overall function
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Multimodal pain management, including desensitization techniques and stress reduction
Why Choose Us?
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Dedicated practice to treating complex neuropathic pain conditions of the face and mouth
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Collaborative approach with multiple specialists
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Conveniently located in downtown Seattle, with easy access from Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Puyallup, Tacoma and beyond
Don’t Let Persistent Nerve Pain Go Unrecognized.
Early diagnosis and conservative treatment can make a difference.
Let’s help your nerves heal—safely and effectively. Book with us now!
