Dental emergencies range from mild to severe, making it difficult to determine when you should plan to see a trusted dentist. What might seem minor and painless might actually require complex treatment. Also, what may appear time-sensitive and problematic might not be as bad as you expect. When it comes to the matter of facial pain, the uncertainty of needing immediate care becomes even more difficult. If you are unsure what you should do, find out what might be the cause and when it’s time to see an expert.
What Causes Facial Pain?
There are many reasons why facial pain can develop, all of which range in severity. The most common include:
- An infection or abscess that develops when dental decay is untreated for a prolonged period and impacts the root of the tooth and the surrounding tissues.
- Teeth grinding that often occurs when you’re asleep, resulting in enamel erosion and jaw pain over time.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder that develops when the jaw is overworked, has become damaged, or your bite is misaligned.
Other potential reasons include a sinus infection, gum disease, or a serious jaw injury (break or fracture).
When Should You Plan to See a Dentist for Treatment?
It’s always best to see an emergency dentist any time you are experiencing oral or facial pain. This will ensure you undergo a thorough examination by an expert who can pinpoint the problem area with advanced technology.
If you begin to notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist:
- You struggle to eat or drink
- You develop jaw pain on one side of your head or ear
- You develop double vision in one or both eyes
- You experience frequent headaches that grow in severity
- You struggle to open your mouth
- Your jaw is locking
- You notice grinding, popping, or clicking when trying to move or open your mouth
Jaw and facial pain should not be ignored. Instead, the sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you will experience relief from discomfort. In turn, you will find that you can embrace a better quality of life with greater jaw movement.
About the Author
Dr. Parul Vashisht, or Dr. V as she’s known by her patients, is a trusted emergency dentist who completed her dental degree in India. She then attended the UC San Francisco School of Dentistry. As one of the lead dentists at Parklane Family Dentistry, she works alongside patients to address sudden facial pain caused by trauma, infection, and other similar causes. If you develop oral pain and are unsure how to handle it, contact us at (469) 731-0391.