Trigeminal neuralgia is usually accompanied by sharp, electric-like pain, whereas PTN is usually accompanied by a duller pain which feels like a toothache. Pain associated with TN is usually stimulated by shaving, washing the face, or brushing the teeth, although it can also occur spontaneously. The incidence of TN is about 155 per 1,000,000 people. It usually occurs in those over the age of 50. Atypical odontalgia includes continuous pain, usually present for several months, in or around various teeth.
Some studies conclude that administration of local anesthetic offers temporary relief of symptoms.
Other studies say the opposite. Typically, many dental procedures have been performed in an attempt to provide permanent pain relief for the patient. Often, the pain will simply migrate to another tooth. Facial migraine is usually characterized by dull, intermittent pain on one side of the face. Involved teeth typically include the upper canines and premolars.