Are you experiencing pain near your forehead, cheeks, or mouth? While many people think of things such as a knocked-out tooth when it comes to dental emergencies, major facial discomfort is a sign you need help, too! Facial pain that is related to your teeth is not only hard to deal with during your everyday activities, but it 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. A 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. A 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. Jasmine King and her team at Summer Creek Dentistry keep the smiles of Fort Worth whole and healthy! She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and is an active member of several associations, including the American Dental Association. By coupling high-quality services with advanced dental technology, she can assist you with any unexpected dental event. To schedule an appointment, contact her through her website or call (817) 292-7488.