Facial pain is something that virtually all of us experience now and again, and whether it’s a throbbing headache, nagging toothache, or something else triggering discomfort, it isn’t always easy to identify the cause for concern. Thankfully, your emergency dentist is the expert on all things relating to oral health, so if you’re experiencing facial pain and require assistance, they’re the best person to visit! Here’s a little more about some of the common causes of facial pain and when you should seek urgent care.
What Are Some Common Causes of Facial Pain?
Facial pain is an umbrella term that’s used to characterize discomfort felt in the face, cheeks, forehead, or other surrounding areas. But since it refers to a symptom, rather than a specific condition, it’s not always easy to deduce what might be causing it. It can also vary in terms of intensity and duration; sometimes pain is temporary and resolves on its own, but other times it can be chronic and require professional treatment. A few potential causes of facial pain include things like:
- Tooth decay, gum disease, or other untreated oral issues
- Underlying medical conditions
- Dental abscesses, or infections that target the inside of teeth
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic physical injury
- Headaches and migraines
- Bruxism, or teeth grinding
- Sinus infections
- Dry sockets (if you’ve undergone tooth extractions)
When Does Facial Pain Warrant Emergency Care?
Even though all of these emergencies differ in their onset, as well as how they’re treated, there is one theme they share—delaying proper treatment will always lead to things becoming worse. Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to treating the pain and ensuring that it doesn’t progress or return at a later date, and your emergency dentist is your best option for doing this. Even if your pain seems minor, it should still be treated—big problems often start small!
For example, serious issues like abscesses won’t magically disappear on their own; however, they can be easily treated with root canal therapy coupled with a dental crown. Issues like tooth decay and gum disease are relatively widespread and can be addressed with various means including fillings and periodontal therapy, respectively. And for issues like bruxism, custom-designed oral appliances can be used to correct undesirable jaw movement.
In any case, the treatment utilized will depend on the nature of your pain coupled with your health history. Once the root of the issue has been identified, your emergency dentist will quickly begin taking steps to get things back on track.
About the Practice
The team at Platinum Dental Group proudly serves the dental needs of the San Juan Capistrano, CA area under the leadership of Dr. Ben Omrani. They offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options as well as emergency dentistry for all of your urgent needs. If you have any questions about the article or you or a loved one is dealing with serious facial pain, don’t hesitate to contact the practice for rapid assistance. Telephone: (949) 661-2052.