Challenges in Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia within Dental Practices: A Retrospective Analysis
By
Saif Anmar Badran
Aous Mohammad Qasim
Faaiz Alhamandi
Ali Akram Shahadha
Ali Sabah Alsamok
Rania H. Al-Taie
Ahmed Adnan Al-Juboori
February 9, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Challenges in Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia within Dental Practices: A Retrospective Analysis
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) Key Mechanisms Vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve, often by the superior cerebellar artery. Target Population Individuals, particularly women and those over 50 years of age. Care Setting Dental practices and neurosurgical settings.
Key Highlights
Trigeminal neuralgia affects approximately 12 per 100,000 people globally. Pain is often misdiagnosed as odontogenic, leading to unnecessary dental interventions. Types of TN include idiopathic, secondary, and classical neuralgia. Diagnosis is based on ICHD-3 criteria and often requires neuroimaging. Effective treatments include pharmacological therapies and surgical options. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Utilize ICHD-3 criteria for diagnosis. Conduct neuroimaging to exclude other causes of facial pain. Management
Consider pharmacological therapies such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. Evaluate surgical options like microvascular decompression and Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Monitoring & Follow-up
Assess pain severity using the numerical rating pain scale (NPRS). Document treatment responses and adjust management accordingly. Risks
Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary dental procedures. Potential complications from surgical interventions. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients diagnosed with TN, primarily treated in dental settings.
Patients often receive dental interventions before a confirmed TN diagnosis.
Clinical Best Practices
Thorough clinical assessment to differentiate TN from odontogenic pain. Educate dental practitioners on the signs and symptoms of TN. Implement a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists for accurate diagnosis. References
