No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen, but 1 in 6 Americans requires urgent attention from a dentist annually. Many dental emergencies are obvious, like a chipped or knocked out tooth; however, others can be a little more questionable, such as facial pain. While many people believe an occasional toothache is normal, it can be a sign of a serious problem that must be addressed by a dentist quickly. But what if your jaw or cheeks hurt? Here’s what you need to know to determine if your facial pain warrants a trip to your dentist.
Facial Pain and Oral Health Problems
Facial pain refers to discomfort affecting the face, forehead, and cheeks. It can be a symptom of many issues, like medical problems, infections, and oral health concerns. Pain can vary in intensity and can occur anywhere on your face.
Identifying the potential cause of your discomfort is the first step to getting relief. Here’s what you should do when experiencing the most common types of facial pain:
- Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can cause a severe, throbbing toothache that can affect a single tooth and the tissues around it. An abscess is an infection deep within your tooth, which must be treated quickly to prevent it from spreading and causing irreversible damage. Besides a toothache, you may have a fever, a bad taste in your mouth, or a pimple-like bump near a tooth.
- Dry Socket
If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted and have significant pain, you may have dry socket. The condition occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is lost too soon, causing radiating pain, bad breath, and a foul taste in your mouth. Your bone and nerve can be exposed, so you’ll need to see a dentist right away for treatment.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Your temporomandibular joints are located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. If the joints function correctly, you can have recurring jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth, and swelling. Headaches, earaches, and neck pain can also be a sign. It’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
- Sinus Infections
Your maxillary sinuses are located on either side of your nose. Swelling or infections can cause your cheeks, forehead, nose, and eyes to hurt. However, it can also cause dental pain. It’s better to see a healthcare professional for treatment. Resolving the infection will stop your dental and facial pain.
If you’re unsure whether your discomfort constitutes a trip to the dentist, contact your dental office to explain the situation. They’ll instruct you on what to do next to stop your pain.
About Dr. Spiro Saati
Dr. Saati earned his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his education in advanced specialties, like periodontology, dental implants, and TMJ therapy. He can treat the most complex oral health issues. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through our website or call (978) 548-6243.