A toothache can make daily functioning as well as sleeping through the night difficult. It can cause you to feel intense pain in your cheek that makes concentrating, eating, and going out for a night on the town difficult. But not all dental emergencies result in facial pain. Recognizing the causes of facial pain is crucial, and seeking immediate treatment is essential. Continue reading to learn about the various reasons behind facial pain as well as how your emergency dentist can assist you.
9 Potential Causes of Facial Pain
Facial pain can have different locations, intensity levels, and durations, which can be caused by various factors. Though it might go away on its own, it could turn chronic and require medical attention. Some of the potential causes of facial pain include:
- Dry sockets – These can occur after a tooth extraction when a blood clot forms and becomes dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves to air, food, and fluids.
- Underlying medical conditions – This includes sinusitis, cancer, trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), and more.
- Headaches – The same goes for migraines, which can be caused by a variety of factors, like stress and a lack of sleep.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) – This condition affects the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement, causing pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck.
- Sinus infections – Also called sinusitis, this is a condition where the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen.
- Nerve damage – This is any injury or damage to the nerves that can disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Traumatic facial injury – This refers to any physical injury or trauma sustained to the face.
- Oral health problems – Examples include tooth decay, mouth infections, and gum disease.
- Bruxism – This is characterized by teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
How Your Dentist Can Help
If you’re suffering from facial pain, it’s essential to see your dentist who can identify the underlying cause and suggest the right treatment, medication, or behavioral modifications to alleviate the pain. Dental abscesses and advanced gum disease are severe oral health problems that may need periodontal therapy or a root canal to address the issue.
Severely damaged or decayed teeth may require a dental crown or filling in addition to periodontal therapy or root canal treatment. Using a dental mouthguard can provide a buffer between your upper and lower teeth, alleviating discomfort and preventing further damage if you have TMD or bruxism.
4 Home Remedies for Facial Pain
The effectiveness of self-care treatments for mild facial pain may vary depending on the underlying cause. You may try the following remedies at home until you can receive treatment from your emergency dentist:
- A cold compress – Place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 10-20 minutes multiple times a day.
- Take OTC medication – Tak over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain discomfort.
- Keep your head elevated – Elevate your head to promote drainage of mucus and fluids and ease discomfort from sinusitis.
- Gargle with salt water – Mix warm water and half a teaspoon of salt and gargle several times a day to reduce dental inflammation and pain.
About the Practice
Dr. Garrett Mulkey, Dr. Ashley Decker, Dr. Deborah Romack, and their team at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford serve their community from their comfortable, inviting office. They offer a wide range of treatment options to address various dental concerns, including emergency dental services to help patients with unexpected dental issues. If you are ready to set up an appointment with Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford or want more information on their services, call their office at (817) 594-3806 or visit their website.