In medical terms, dental nerve damage is an injury that occurs in the trigeminal nerves in the oral cavity during an invasive dental procedure such as tooth extraction, root canal treatment, and dental implants, among other dental procedures. While most nerve damage is always accidental, negligence by a dentist during a dental procedure can also result in dental nerve damage. With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks. If, however, the effects last more than six months, then it is considered permanent nerve damage. Depending on the cause of injury, various treatments may be applied to treat dental nerve damage.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs can be administered to treat dental nerve damage. Some of the drugs that can be used are antiepileptics, antidepressants, and painkillers. These will help with restoring the normal functioning of the nerves and relieve pain caused by the damaged nerves.
Surgery
There are several surgical procedures that can be done to treat dental nerve damage. Most of these surgical procedures work by reducing pressure on the pain, causing nerves, or by cutting pain signals that are relayed to the brain. One such procedure is necrolysis, which can be done internally or externally. Microvascular decompression is another minimal surgical procedure that involves the insertion of a sponge between the artery sending the pain signals and the affected nerve.
Counselling
Counselling sessions involving relaxation therapy and/or hypnosis may also be employed. This is to help with nerve relaxation with the hope of the effects being permanent.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment can also be used to help restore sensation in the chin and jaw areas. Laser treatments such as radiofrequency rhizotomy which involves the use of heat to help reduce or stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Other Treatments
Other treatments used in the treatment of dental nerve damage are glycerol rhizotomy, stereotactic radio-surgery, and balloon rhizotomy. Stereotactic radio-surgery involves the use of radiation beams that target specific areas of the brain without damaging or injuring the surrounding parts of the brain. Balloon rhizotomy, on the other hand, is a procedure that involves the insertion of an inflated balloon on the trigeminal ganglion hence relieving pain and blocking pain signals from being transmitted.
All these treatments respond differently to different nerve damage conditions. That is why a proper diagnosis has to be done before recommending any of these procedures on a patient. Dental nerve damage can have adverse side effects on the proper nerve function and sensation in different affected parts. As a result, treatment is highly recommended, as it can also come with severe pain for the affected individuals.
Conclusion
Since root canal treatments are the most common culprits of dental nerve damage, it is always best to have the procedure professionally done by expert dentists.