Dental work and facial paralysis

[CROOKEDSMILE]

Hey guys.
I haven't been to the dentist this year...or should I say in the last 15 months post op since I had the paralysis. I don't feel like I need any dental work done other than cleaning but if I do I really don't want any injections in the gums, cheeks, etc for numbing as I have heard horror stories about facial nerve damage from this which would be rare I'm sure but don't want to chance it. If I needed something done......root canal, cavity filled....whatever would the gas that they give you be enough for them to do the work? What other options are there?
Angie

[Kaybo]

Angie~
Over the years, I had had all kinds of dental work - I go 3 times a year for just cleaning since i only chew on one side.  I have had MANY injections on both sides (even though I don't feel one, I'd rather NOT take any chances! LOL!) and NEVER any negative reactions!  I think I'd rather have NO PAIN than the SLIGHT chance something else could happen!!

K

[mk]

Angie,

my understanding is that the injection you get at the dentists' office is aimed at numbing the trigeminal nerve, because this is the nerve that causes the feelings of pain. I don't think that the facial nerve is in any way involved with that. You may want to double check with your dentist.
But you bring up a good point that I haven't thought about before. Maybe those of us with trigeminal nerve issues should be worried about these injections. Or maybe we don't need them at all, since it consantly feels like we have had the novocaine injection   

Marianna