Facial pain can be distracting, and it can rob you of your ability to enjoy basic everyday tasks, such as eating and conversing. While facial pain can have a number of different causes, in many cases it is related to a dental problem. It might even be the result of a dental emergency! This blog post discusses some issues that might be causing your pain and how you may be able to find relief.
Dental Abscess
An abscess is a painful, pus-filled lump that is the result of an infection. When an abscess forms in your tooth or gums, it can cause a severe toothache. The pain can also radiate throughout your face. You can take pain relievers to take the edge off your discomfort, but remember that a dental abscess is a true emergency and should receive professional dental care ASAP.
Dry Socket
If you have recently undergone a tooth extraction, you should have a healthy blood clot at the site of your procedure. If that blood clot fails to form or gets knocked out of place prematurely, you could end up with a very painful condition known as dry socket. The discomfort may be located at both the site of your missing teeth and the surrounding tissues, including your face. Your dentist can use a medicated dressing to treat your dry socket and minimize your pain.
Teeth Grinding
Some people unconsciously grind and clench their teeth during sleep. If you do this, you may wake up with a sore jaw and aching facial muscles. Because teeth grinding places your teeth at an increased risk of breakage, you should visit your dentist as soon as you can. They may provide you with a custom mouthguard to wear at night that can place a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
Non-Dental Causes of Facial Pain
Of course, in some cases, facial pain is not the result of a dental problem. It could be due to:
- A sinus infection — This may be accompanied by nasal problems, a fever, or a cough.
- Nerve problems — Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that affects the largest nerve in the head. It can cause pain and burning sensations. It usually affects one side of the face.
- Shingles — This is usually accompanied by an obvious rash.
If you are not having any obvious dental symptoms along with your facial pain, it may be best to see your primary care practitioner for care. Or, if the pain is severe or if you have other reasons to suspect that you require urgent medical attention, you may need to visit the local emergency room.
Facial pain should be taken seriously! Seek care promptly so you can find relief as soon as possible.
Meet the Practice
At Fountain Park Dental, Dr. Chaudhari and our team have great compassion for patients in pain. We are often able to accept same-day cases; we can even provide emergency care on weekends and after our normal office hours. If you are experiencing facial pain and other symptoms related to a dental emergency, call our Flower Mound office at 972-899-7990. We will do our best to assist you ASAP!