Your story sounds very familiar. I have TN that started as what I thought was tooth pain. My roots also run into my sinus cavity. I have had a root canal on every tooth on my right side and a root end resection on one tooth before I was diagnosed. From my experience the only drug that works is tegretol (carbamazepine). I have taken Neurontin but it only works in the beginning pain and does not offer significant pain relief. Narcotic pain meds only make you groggy and out of control, plus you are still in pain.

Steroids work if it's TMJ pain, which I have as well but it's different kind of pain. When TMJ strikes it's more like an ankle sprain kind of pain not the shocking pain of TN with different levels of intensitity.

I have also had absessed teeth which is a different type of pain as well. When I get an absessed tooth it gets a "marble" or bump on top of the tooth of infection. It is very localized but easily recognized and the antibiotic usually helps within several hours.

Carbamazepine can work that quickly, at least it can for me depending on when I catch an attack. However, recently my pain has forced me to take it full time lately. For the last couple of months it has been relentless. It seems to be getting worse over time, less remission more episodes. Gauging the med is what becomes the task. Finding out how much and at what intervals is daunting because when the med wears off, the med wears off.

One last thing, chewing on ice chips made it better? Personally that would send my TN into overdrive. I avoid the cold at almost all cost during an attack. I don't even turn on the air conditioner in the car when an episode hits. Heat seems to be the only real relief. I would definitely check that out with the neurologist.

Good Luck I hope this helps you and your wife.