Dealing with facial pain is more than an annoyance. It can dampen your daily life by getting in the way of eating and talking, but is it an oral health issue? Several dental problems can cause it, so it’s important to rule them out by visiting your emergency dentist. Keep reading to learn four possible culprits and how your dentist can help you find relief.
1.) Bruxism
This is a habit where you subconsciously grind or clench your teeth. It often happens during the night, but it can occur during the daytime if you are stressed. This condition puts stress on the muscles in your jaw, making them hurt. You may feel discomfort in your face, but your dentist can give you the treatment you need. A nightguard can act like a barrier for your smile while you sleep.
2.) Dental Abscess
If you have a tooth infection, it can often manifest as a dental emergency in the form of a pimple-like bump on your gums. It’s often very painful, which can radiate to your neck and ear. This scenario requires urgent care, as it cannot go away without intervention from your dentist. It can continue to worsen, potentially leading to tooth loss or spreading bacteria to your nearby teeth and soft tissues.
3.) Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
In some cases, it may be your jaw joints that are causing some trouble. You can develop TMD for a variety of reasons, such as bruxism or an injury. Along with some facial pain, you might hear a clicking or popping noise when you open or close your mouth. By visiting your dentist, they can pinpoint the reason and give you a special type of mouthguard to alleviate your symptoms.
4.) Dry Socket
Although this reasoning is a bit more specific, it can happen if you had a tooth removed fairly recently. After an extraction, your body will fill the empty socket with a blood clot to keep the area clean and protect the nerves. It can dislodge or dissolve earlier than it should, which isn’t the most pleasant experience. If this is true for you, then it’s important to call your dentist and ensure you have a smooth recovery.
Facial pain can bring you down, but your dentist is here to get you the relief you deserve. By giving their office a call, you can find out if it’s an oral health issue and get the treatment you need as soon as possible. That way, you can get back to a happy smile that you feel comfortable in.
About the Author
Dr. Dina Cocco earned her dental degree from the University of Michigan. She has been helping the Ann Arbor community for over three decades, ensuring she gives people worry-free grins they love, especially during dental emergencies. Dr. Cocco is often able to see you on the same day and give you the relief you need using state-of-the-art technology. If you need urgent dental care, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling (734) 668-8636.