Trigeminal Neuralgia

    For Patients

    About Trigeminal Neuralgia & TMJ Pain

    At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for conditions that affect your overall wellbeing, including Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find relief from pain and improving your quality of life through specialized TMJ treatments.

    What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

    Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for carrying sensation from your face to your brain. If you suffer from TN, even mild stimulation of your face, such as brushing your teeth or putting on makeup, can trigger a jolt of excruciating pain. This condition is often described as the most painful known to humanity and can severely impact daily activities.

    How Trigeminal Neuralgia Relates to TMJ

    Trigeminal Neuralgia and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can sometimes be interconnected. The trigeminal nerve also supplies the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints, meaning that TMJ disorders can potentially exacerbate trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Misalignment or dysfunction in the TMJ can put additional pressure on the trigeminal nerve, leading to increased pain and discomfort.

    Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

    Common symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia include:

    • Severe, shooting pain that feels like an electric shock
    • Pain episodes triggered by activities like chewing, speaking, or touching the face
    • Spontaneous attacks of pain that can last from a few seconds to several minutes
    • Periods of frequent attacks that can last days, weeks, or even months
    • Pain that affects one side of the face, often around the jaw, cheek, and mouth

    Why Choose Us for Your TMJ Treatments?

    Our specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, like Trigeminal Neuralgia.  Our approach considers all aspects of your health, ensuring that we address the root causes of your symptoms and provide long-lasting relief.

    We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment methods to ensure the highest standard of care. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. We understand the impact of chronic pain on your life and are here to support you every step of the way.

    Don’t let Trigeminal Neuralgia control your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward pain relief and improved wellbeing.

    TMJ Trigeminal Neuralgia

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans

    Very Rev. Philip G. Landry

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Having been diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2003, I was fitted for a head-gear breathing apparatus to alleviate the condition. After struggling with discomfort and lack of sleep, I discontinued use of the device. During a visit to my cardiologist in 2017, I was ordered to take another sleep test which revealed that the condition had reached a dangerous level and that it must be addressed immediately. I shared with Dr. G. Johnson my concerns from the past and he informed me that a new mouth piece for this sleep disorder was available and referred me to Dr. Terry Billings, DDS.

    I contacted Dr. Billings and during my first appointment with him, after a series of tests, he determined that I had another condition, TMJ, which would have to be treated before addressing the sleep disorder. He explained to me that I would have to wear mouthpieces, one by day and one by night, for twelve weeks to correct this issue. My instant reaction was that as a Catholic priest serving as the rector of the St. Louis Cathedral, I often celebrate televised Masses during which a mouthpiece would certainly be a deterrent. Dr. Billings patiently and understandingly explained that I really had no option but assured me that he would be able to make weekly adjustments to the mouthpieces that would help with these concerns.

    Now as I approach the final weeks of this treatment, I am pleased to share that I have been most satisfied with the care and attention of both Dr. Billings and his staff. The level of professionalism and proficiency which I have experienced in the weekly office visits have made a challenging issue bearable. It is amazing to me what the treatment of the TMJ has done for my overall health and well-being and as I now await the mouthpiece to address my sleep disorder I am most grateful to Dr. Billings for his diagnosis and excellent treatment during this period of preparation for it.

    Arden Ballard, PA-C, MS

    5.0 ★★★★★

    You don’t hear that often about a dentist, but his attention to detail, meticulous examination and in-office testing led to uncovering a severely deviated septum that needed prompt surgical intervention. I’m forever grateful for him and his entire staff.

    Dr. Billings noticed that I checked yes to a few items on his questionnaire. When he began asking about my fatigue, sluggish feeling, etc. I blamed it on the kids and being a parent of two young boys. After his dental exam, he insisted that there could be more to my symptoms. After a chat, we decided to do an in-office Facial CT scan. It’s been 4 years since I had one, so I agreed. Everything was promptly scheduled, and their text reminders kept me on schedule.

    I did the CT scan, and Dr. Billings pointed out my severely deviated septum and recommended I get a prompt ENT evaluation. I brought a printout of the CT to my next appointment, and I ended up having sinus surgery 3 weeks later.

    Immediately after surgery, I knew something was different. After healing, I was sleeping better, breathing better and, sure enough, less sluggish and not reaching for my 3pm coffee. All from going to the dentist.

    My teeth look great, too!

    Dr. Billings has opened my eyes to understand that dentists are part of the entire medical team, and when using their training to the fullest, they can change lives.