Facial pain can be alarming and uncomfortable, and in many cases, it may signal a dental emergency! But how can you tell if the pain is from your teeth, gums, or something else? It can be difficult to tell the difference when you’re in pain, but one thing is clear: You need to know! Read on to learn about common dental emergencies that can cause facial pain and what to do to find relief.
Tooth Infections or Abscesses
One of the most common causes of facial pain is a tooth infection or abscess. These occur when bacteria invade the pulp of your tooth, leading to pain, inflammation, and swelling. The discomfort often feels sharp or throbbing and may radiate to your jaw, ear, or even your sinuses.
Left untreated, an abscess can spread the infection to other parts of your body, making you very ill—or worse. This is why it’s critical to see a dentist quickly if you feel any other symptoms. For example, bumps on your gums, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or fever are all signs that you should seek help.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to come in properly, they can become impacted, pressing against your teeth or jawbone. This often results in significant facial pain, swelling, and even difficulty opening your mouth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can create issues over time and become dental emergencies when they cause severe pain or infection. Often the only solution is extraction to relieve pain and prevent complications.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in your body and connects your jaw to your skull. Because of its complexity, it often faces issues from overuse, overextension, or injury which can cause facial pain. If you feel discomfort near your ear, experience jaw stiffness, or get chronic headaches, a TMJ disorder could be the culprit.
While TMJ disorders aren’t always emergencies, sudden, severe pain or jaw locking may necessitate emergency attention from your dentist.
Dental Trauma
Accidents like falls or sports injuries can lead to fractured or displaced teeth, causing immediate facial pain. If you feel pain in your face, gums, or jaw after an injury, visit your dentist right away! They can assess the damage and prevent the issue from getting worse.
Facial pain can have many causes, but it’s important to look out for dental emergencies and solve them quickly. If you’re unsure whether your discomfort is due to a dental emergency, call your dentist. They can offer suggestions and guidance to put you on a path of recovery and relief!
About the Practice
At Bragg Dental, Dr. Jennifer Sherwood Bragg and Dr. Alexandra McTier are here to help you manage dental emergencies and find relief from facial pain. Our experienced team offers fast, compassionate care for infections, injuries, and more. No matter what kind of care you need, we’ll find a solution that fits! Call (770) 889-8420 to schedule an emergency appointment with us or visit our website to explore all our services.