Have you been experiencing constant facial pain recently? There could be any number of possible explanations, some of which are more urgent than others. In particular, the discomfort could potentially be a symptom of a serious dental emergency. Below is a closer look at 3 serious oral health issues that could be to blame for your facial pain as well as what you should do to address them.
1. Severely Infected Tooth
If harmful bacteria are allowed to reach the pulp of your tooth (usually as a result of an untreated cavity or crack in the enamel), they can cause a painful infection. This problem will only grow worse over time if it’s left unaddressed and could eventually result in the formation of an abscess at the root of the tooth. An abscess is an infected pocket of pus that can cause significant pain that radiates to various parts of the face.
The best thing to do if you suspect that you have a severely infected tooth is to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. Once they’ve taken a look at the tooth and determined the severity of the problem, they can help you explore possible solutions. This may involve root canal treatment or a tooth extraction.
2. Bruxism
Sometimes you might unconsciously grind and clench your teeth while you’re asleep. This is a condition known as bruxism, and it can result in serious dental damage if left untreated. Moreover, excessive clenching can lead to pain and soreness in the jaw and other parts of the face.
While bruxism isn’t necessarily considered an emergency, it can have severe consequences if left alone for too long. Fortunately, it’s often possible to treat bruxism with a nightguard. Wearing this appliance while you sleep will prevent the upper and lower rows of teeth from making direct contact with each other, thus reducing the impact of constant grinding and clenching.
3. Dry Socket
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms at the socket where it used to be. If this blood clot fails to form or is dislodged in some way, you can experience a dental emergency known as a dry socket. Not only does this condition slow down the healing process, but it can also result in serious discomfort that can radiate to the rest of the face.
When a dry socket occurs, you should let your dentist know immediately. They can take appropriate steps to address the problem and get the recovery process back on track.
In general, if you have any reason to think that your facial pain is related to a dental issue, you should reach out to your dentist. The sooner they can figure out the true underlying cause of the problem, the sooner they can help you achieve the relief you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Salvaggio is a graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. He completed a one-year residency program at Sunnybrook Hospital, and he regularly attends the highly esteemed Kois Dental Education Centre. He proudly offers same-day appointments for patients suffering from a wide variety of dental emergencies. If you’re suffering from facial pain, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Salvaggio at Salvaggio Dentistry in Brampton by visiting his website or calling (289) 569-0721.