Whether it’s an unbearable headache, a throbbing toothache, or some other type of issue that’s causing facial pain, sometimes it’s even tough to think clearly when you’re dealing with such intense discomfort. But how do you know when it’s a dental emergency that’s causing your distress? Here’s more about some dental problems that are known to cause facial pain, along with why it’s always going to be in your best interest to see your emergency dentist for assistance.
What Causes Facial Pain?
Facial pain is a unifying term that’s characterized by pain or discomfort felt in the face, cheeks, forehead, or inside of the mouth. It can vary greatly in terms of intensity, location, duration, and how it’s treated. But since it refers to a symptom, rather than a specific condition, it has several potential causes. Here are a few possible explanations for facial pain:
- Untreated oral health issues such as decay, cavities, or gum disease
- Underlying medical conditions
- Infections such as dental abscesses
- Nerve damage
- Dry sockets
- Traumatic injury
- Headaches and migraines
- Sinus infections
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
How Can an Emergency Dentist Help with Facial Pain?
When it comes to facial pain, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that an accurate and timely diagnosis is key. The majority of dental issues have the likelihood to worsen if they aren’t handled promptly. That said, your emergency dentist is by far the best person for identifying the source of the issue and coming up with a treatment plan to get your smile back to feeling its best.
For serious issues like dental abscesses, which are painful infections that target the inner pulp of a tooth, root canal therapy is often the go-to solution, followed up by a dental restoration like a crown. Crowns can also be used to address decayed or damaged teeth that are causing discomfort. And for issues like bruxism, oral appliance therapy including custom-made night guards can be utilized to reduce the effects of the condition and eliminate the root of the problem. In any case, appropriate treatment will also depend on your individual health history and the severity of your pain.
These are just a few examples; regardless of the source of the pain, once it’s been identified, your dentist can begin taking the appropriate steps to alleviate your discomfort and get your smile back on track. There might be a lot on your mind while you’re dealing with facial pain, but taking charge and seeking treatment is always going to be in your best interest.
About the Practice
The team at Vanderbrook Family Dentistry is thrilled to offer patients and families in the Dallas area an exceptional level of care! Under the leadership of Dr. Drew Vanderbrook, the practice offers a wide range of services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one is dealing with facial pain, don’t hesitate to contact the practice for assistance at (214) 821-5200.