Facial pain can be quite frustrating—whether it’s a throbbing headache, nagging toothache, sore jaw, or some other type of issue that’s causing discomfort, it’s not always easy to identify the source of the problem or determine if it warrants emergency care. Fortunately, your emergency dentist is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies that cause facial pain! Here’s more about some of the common dental issues that are known to cause facial distress, along with why you shouldn’t hesitate to seek urgent assistance.
Common Causes of Facial Pain
Facial pain is actually a unifying term that characterizes pain or discomfort felt in the face, cheeks, forehead, neck, or mouth. It can vary in terms of intensity, location, duration, and treatment is always going to depend on the patient’s circumstances.
But since it refers to a symptom, rather than a specific condition, it has many possible causes. Here are some potential reasons:
- Untreated issues such as tooth decay or gum disease
- Underlying medical conditions
- Dental abscesses
- Nerve damage
- Dry sockets
- Traumatic physical injury
- Headaches and migraines
- Sinus infections
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
When Is Facial Pain a Dental Emergency?
The bottom line is that with the majority of these situations, early and accurate diagnosis is key; all of these problems have the potential to worsen if left untreated, so your emergency dentist is going to be your best option for urgent relief!
For example, for serious issues like dental abscesses, or painful infections that target the inner pulp of a tooth, root canal therapy is often the go-to solution. This is typically followed up by a dental restoration like a crown, which can also be used to address decayed or damaged teeth. And for issues like bruxism, which can cause severe damage if left untreated, one of the common solutions is oral appliance therapy, which involves custom-made night guards.
In any case, appropriate treatment will also depend on your individual health history and the severity of your pain. Even issues that seem minor should be treated—a dry socket can easily turn worse, so don’t think you can tough it out! These are just a few examples; once the source of pain has been identified, your dentist can begin taking the appropriate steps to get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
The team at Cary Dental Rejuvenations is thrilled to offer an exceptional level of care for patients and families in the Cary, NC area under the leadership of Dr. Bikram Singh. Dr. Singh received his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has spent countless years honing his craft. His office is fully equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, so if you or a loved one is dealing with an urgent situation, don’t hesitate to contact the practice for assistance: (919) 230-8590.