Dental emergencies are not always a knocked-out tooth or loose dental crown. If you are experiencing pain in either your forehead, cheeks, or mouth, it may be a sign of an oral health issue that needs to be treated right away. Facial pain that is related to your teeth is not only hard to deal with during your day-to-day activities, but could also be putting you at risk for more serious health issues. Read on to learn about three dental emergencies that cause facial discomfort.
#1. Tooth Infection
When an infection of the soft tissues of your inner tooth (pulp) occurs, you have a tooth infection (also known as a dental abscess). When you have an untreated cavity, gum disease, or injury, your pearly whites are susceptible to further damage. These issues can lead to bacteria seeping into your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, causing facial pain in the cheeks.
These are the signs of an abscessed tooth:
- Tooth or gum sensitivity
- Swollen, inflamed, or red gums
- Throbbing, persistent, or chewing pain
- Fatigue and/or fever
- A bitter taste in the mouth
#2. Dry Socket
Have you recently had to have a tooth removed? If you’re experiencing pain in the area of the missing tooth, it could be due to a condition called dry socket. When the blood clot isn’t properly formed around the surgical site, it leaves the nerves and bone tissue of your mouth exposed. A dry socket needs to be treated by your dentist as soon as possible to ensure the extraction site heals properly. Not only will this help you manage your facial discomfort, but it will also promote healthy bone growth in the area.
The most common indications of a dry socket are persistent discomfort from the extraction area, a foul taste in the mouth, bad breath, and the visible loss of the blood clot.
#3. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, allowing movement of your jaw to speak and chew your food. An oral health condition that hinders this joint from fully functioning is generally referred to as a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
The symptoms of this issue include:
- Clicking sounds whenever you open or close your jaw
- Discomfort or pain around your jaw when talking or eating
- A misaligned bite
- Limited jaw mobility
- Swelling or inflammation in the jaw
- Fatigue
If you are experiencing pain in any area of your face, it’s time to visit your emergency dentist so they can get to the root of your issue. You will not only be able to return to a healthy smile as soon as possible but ensure your oral health is in top condition!
About the Author
Dr. Raj Vekariya and his team at Center One Dental want to help keep your smile in its best condition. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University’s College of Dentistry. He offers a full range of dental services, including emergency care. If you are experiencing facial pain due to an oral health issue, contact him through their website or call (724) 607-8638.