What causes sudden electric-shock facial pain on one side?

A sudden jolt of pain shooting through one side of your face can be genuinely frightening, especially if it happens out of nowhere. It's often a nerve condition called trigeminal neuralgia, but tooth and jaw problems can cause similar pain, so it's worth figuring out which one you're dealing with. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Trigeminal neuralgia can cause sudden, shock-like facial pain. 

• Brushing your teeth, eating or touching your face may trigger an attack. 

• A dental provider can check whether a tooth or jaw problem is causing the pain. 

• Certain warning signs require immediate emergency care. 

If facial pain has you wondering whether the problem is a tooth or something else, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can examine your teeth and jaw and help you decide what to do next. 

What does electric-shock facial pain feel like? 

The pain may feel like a sudden electric jolt, stab or sharp burst. It usually affects one side of the face. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), a burst may last from a split second to several minutes. Some people have several attacks close together. Brushing your teeth, eating, drinking, talking, washing your face or feeling cold air may set off the pain.¹ 

What causes sudden electric-shock facial pain on one side? 

Facial pain like this usually traces back to one of two sources: a problem with a nerve, or a problem with a tooth or jaw joint. Here's how each one tends to show up. 

Could it be trigeminal neuralgia? 

Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries feeling from your face and mouth to your brain. 

According to the NIDCR, a blood vessel may press against the nerve and damage its protective covering. Trigeminal neuralgia can also be linked to multiple sclerosis, inflammation, a tumor or abnormal blood vessels that press on the nerve. Sometimes the cause is not known.¹ 

Could a tooth problem cause this kind of pain? 

A temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, can cause pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles. The pain may spread into your face or neck. You may also have jaw stiffness, limited movement, locking or painful clicking when you open and close your mouth.² 

These symptoms differ from the brief electric-shock attacks linked to trigeminal neuralgia. However, facial pain can have several causes, and the symptoms may overlap. A dental provider or doctor may need to rule out other conditions before diagnosing TMD.² 

Could sinus or jaw joint problems cause this pain? 

Sinus pressure can cause pain in your cheeks, around your eyes, or in your upper teeth. This pain usually feels dull or achy, not like a sudden shock. Problems with your jaw joint can also cause facial pain, along with clicking or a tight jaw. This pain tends to build slowly. It's not usually set off by a light touch the way nerve pain is. 

What warning signs mean you should see a dental provider or doctor? 

Make an appointment with a dental provider or doctor if you have: 

• Brief pain that feels like an electric shock 

• Pain triggered by eating, brushing your teeth or lightly touching your face 

• Attacks that keep returning 

• Pain that is becoming stronger or more frequent 

• Tooth or jaw pain that does not improve 

Don't wait out sudden, shock-like facial pain hoping it fades on its own. Contact your local dental provider to check for a dental cause and get pointed toward the right next step if it turns out to be something else. 

What causes sudden electric-shock facial pain on one side? FAQs 

If you still have questions about this type of facial pain, the answers below cover a few common concerns. 

Is trigeminal neuralgia dangerous? 

Trigeminal neuralgia is not life-threatening, but its pain can be severe and disrupt daily life. Sudden facial weakness, numbness, speech trouble or other possible stroke signs are different and require a call to 911.³ 

What treats trigeminal neuralgia? 

A doctor usually starts treatment with medicine. Antiseizure medicines are often tried first. Surgery may be considered when medicine does not control the pain or causes serious side effects. A doctor can explain which option fits your condition. 

Can a dental provider find a hidden tooth problem causing this pain? 

Yes. A dental provider can check for cracks, deep decay, an infection or another dental cause. If your teeth and mouth appear healthy, your dental provider may recommend seeing a doctor or an orofacial pain specialist. 

Does stress make this pain worse? 

Stress is not listed as a typical trigger for trigeminal neuralgia. Light touch and movements such as eating, talking or brushing your teeth are more common triggers. Stress-related jaw clenching may cause a different type of facial or jaw pain. 

Does trigeminal neuralgia go away, or does it come back? 

Trigeminal neuralgia may stop for months or years and then return. The NIDCR notes that attacks may become worse over time while pain-free periods become shorter and less frequent.¹ Because the pattern can change, it's worth telling your doctor if attacks start coming back more often or hitting harder than before; that shift can affect which treatment makes sense next. 

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: "Trigeminal Neuralgia." https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/trigeminal-neuralgia 

² National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: "TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)." https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd 

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Signs and Symptoms of Stroke." https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html