Has the tegretol helped with the shooting pain since you started taking it? If so then you may have TN. The dull aching pain can be a number of things. I am suprised the docs have not tried neurontin. It usually helps with the dull pains. If that doesn't work maybe lyrica might. If those things do work you may also have ATN or AFP. One thing that would be a good idea is to go to the TNA website and order the book striking back. It is like the the bible for TN. It also helps with determining your pains. Dental work is sometimes a precursor to TN. It can trigger an underlying problem as it did mine. Read the sticky's on the top and you can ask as many ? as needed. Welcome whether it is or isn't we are here for you. Jen