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The Electric Pain in Her Tooth Baffled Every Dentist. What Was Wrong?
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- A 69-year-old woman from Chicago Heights experienced sudden, severe jaw pain while driving, which lasted only minutes but recurred several times over weeks.
- Despite good dental hygiene and no prior toothaches, the pain was intense and confusing, initially triggered during routine activities like brushing her teeth.
- Her dentist found no visible dental issues or pain upon examination and X-rays, but suspected a cracked filling, leading to a costly crown procedure paid out-of-pocket by the patient.
- The crown failed to alleviate the pain, prompting a second opinion where additional X-rays showed no abnormalities; an oral appliance was prescribed for possible teeth grinding but proved ineffective.
- The woman's persistent and unexplained jaw pain continued, increasing in frequency despite multiple dental interventions and expenses.
