3 Dental Emergencies That Cause Facial Pain

Are you experiencing discomfort in your face, cheeks, or forehead? You might think facial pain is nothing to worry about, but that’s not always the case. While some facial pain may be temporary and resolve on its own, other cases may signify a dental emergency or larger oral health issue that requires immediate treatment. Understanding potential causes can help you determine whether or not you need to see a professional as soon as possible. Here are 3 dental emergencies that cause facial pain and why you should visit an emergency dentist to find relief.

#1: Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms inside your teeth or gums as a result of bacterial infection from tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. Watch out for the following signs:

• Fever
• Throbbing, persistent, or chewing pain
• Tooth or gum sensitivity
• Swollen, inflamed, or red gums
• Foul taste in your mouth

This dental emergency will not heal on its own and needs to be treated immediately.

#2: Dry Socket

A dry socket develops if the blood around a tooth extraction site doesn’t properly clot, exposing your nerves and bone. Symptoms of a dry socket include:

• Radiating or persistent pain following a tooth extraction
• Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth after a tooth extraction
• Visible loss of the blood clot around the extraction site

If left untreated, it can impact your bone growth in the affected area.

#3: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, it’s better to visit your dentist sooner rather than later so they can manage your pain and address underlying causes. Some symptoms of TMD may include:

• Pain or discomfort in or around your jaw when chewing or speaking
• Misaligned bite
• Swelling
• Limited mobility of your jaw
• Clicking sounds when opening or closing your jaw

Why Should I Go See an Emergency Dentist?

An accurate diagnosis is the key to effectively managing, reducing, and preventing your facial pain. What medications and treatment your dentist recommends is dependent on the source of your discomfort.

Additionally, dental emergencies worsen or develop into other oral health issues when they are left untreated. For example, a dental abscess can become life-threatening if it triggers sepsis, a dry socket can lead to jawbone erosion, and TMD can cause breakage in teeth that will also require urgent care.

Fortunately, dentists have the professional training required to diagnose and treat oral health issues of any severity. It’s not normal to be experiencing facial pain, even if it’s mild, so contact your dentist as soon as you can.

About the Author

Dr. Neelima Ravi has been fully committed to providing the highest quality dental care for nearly two decades. The team at Oceanside Family Dental offers same-day appointments for dental emergencies so Dr. Ravi can swiftly address any problems before they worsen. She uses WaterLase for easier treatment and reduced healing times, PlanScan Technology for same-day dental crowns, and multiple forms of sedation so that you can feel better quickly and comfortably. If you’re experiencing facial pain, contact Dr. Ravi through her website or by phone at (603) 926-1551.