If you’ve ever had an intense, painful toothache, you know how debilitating it can be. This kind of pain can make it difficult for you to get anything done at work or school and can make spending time with loved ones hard to enjoy. Even so, how can you know if your discomfort warrants a trip to the emergency dentist? Is facial pain always considered a dental emergency? Keep reading to learn about some common causes of facial pain and how your dentist can help.
10 Potential Causes of Facial Pain
Facial pain refers to any discomfort in the face, cheeks, mouth, or forehead. There are several potential causes, and this pain can vary greatly in intensity, location, and duration. Some kinds of facial pain are temporary and will go away on their own, but others may lead to chronic, seemingly unbearable discomfort that requires professional intervention. A few potential causes of facial pain include:
- Bruxism, which is characterized by jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Untreated oral health problems, like cavities or gum disease
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
- Underlying medical conditions
- Infections, like abscesses
- Headaches or migraines
- Traumatic facial injury
- Sinus infections
- Nerve damage
- Dry sockets
How Your Dentist Can Help
Knowing what’s causing your facial pain is the first step towards receiving the treatment you need; this is why it’s important to visit your dentist promptly. They can quickly diagnose the issue and recommend behaviors and medication to manage and reduce the pain you’re experiencing. Many dental issues worsen if they aren’t dealt with quickly, so make a point of seeing your dentist as soon as possible.
For serious oral health issues, such as dental abscesses or advanced gum disease, root canal or periodontal therapy will be necessary. Severely damaged or decayed teeth can typically be restored with a dental crown or filling, which improves the look and function as well as protects the tooth from further harm.
Additionally, TMD or bruxism may require a mouthguard to create a barrier between your top and bottom teeth. Regardless of the cause of the pain, your dentist will work with you to determine the best way to treat it so your smile can be as good as new!
About the Practice
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli and his team at Camenzuli Dental Excellence make patient care and safety their top priority. They administer a range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures for a healthy, beautiful smile. They also offer emergency treatments to help ease facial pain and other urgent oral health issues. If you want to learn more about Camenzuli Dental Excellence or to set up an appointment with Dr. Camenzuli, visit their website or call them at (504) 895-3400.