But, three weeks ago when I began to have severe trigeminal nerve pain in the right side of my face, I was almost incapacitated. I have had a LOT of surgeries and medical procedures, but this pain took the cake. I checked with my dentist to make sure it was not a regular dental problem. (When I had this on the left side, I needed a root canal at the height of the lockdowns when I could not get help for over a month!) Fortunately, a kind specialist in Jackson had a cancellation and got me in last week.
Dr. Charles Ramsey specializes in oral appliances for sleep apnea and for people who apparently grind their teeth at night (I had no idea) and trigger point therapy. He treats TMJ, facial pain, and migraines as well as sleep apnea. He does not deal in narcotic medications.
So far, I have experienced a 65% reduction in the pain, even without the bite guard, which is on order and I am SO thankful! I may need one more round of the trigger point therapy to get the level of relief I want, but that is OK.
Unfortunately, neither Medicare, nor Aetna pays for these treatments. But, like most dentists, they give a discount if you can pay cash, and offer Care Credit. I would hock just about anything I have (except for the hubby) to have less pain. Fortunately, we got a refund on our income taxes that helped cover it. Dr. Ramsey's own story about having to change from a regular dental practice to his current one is inspiring in itself. If you want to check him out, go here.
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