A dental emergency usually consists of an injury that causes pain, swelling, bleeding, or some form of tooth or restoration loss. While some are more serious than others, most dentists recommend seeking help anytime something doesn’t look or feel right inside the mouth. If you are dealing with facial pain but are unsure why, you may be hesitant to visit the emergency dentist, especially if you think it will improve on its own. Learn why this is not the kind of mindset to have and when you should call to see a professional for help.
What Causes Facial Pain?
There are many different reasons facial pain can develop. Although it might seem as if the most common source is some type of injury, playing sports or taking an accidental fall while on a bike are not the only culprits.
You might also be experiencing a serious oral health problem, an infection, nerve damage, or a serious headache or migraine. More specifically, you could have:
- An abscess (infection) that causes bacteria to accumulate inside your mouth and negatively affects everything from your teeth and gums to various nerves and blood vessels.
- A dry socket, which can form if a blood clot becomes dislodged. Typically, clots need to form after having a tooth removed, as it allows the area to heal.
- Chronic jaw pain, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), that makes it difficult to open your mouth because of inflamed and overworked jaw joints.
How to Know When You Should Seek Help
Many patients are unsure when they should see an emergency dentist for facial pain. While the current situation might not seem urgent, neglecting timely care can lead to more serious symptoms and increasing discomfort.
Most dental professionals recommend patients schedule an appointment if pain occurs, or if something doesn’t feel right. What you’ll want to remember, though, is that no matter the reason for your facial pain, it’s always best to trust your local dentist – someone who understands the intricacies of the mouth, how it works, and what problems can occur.
When visiting your dentist’s office, you can expect they will begin by taking digital images of your mouth to better visualize the areas above and below the gumline. In addition, you’ll undergo a visual examination that allows your dentist to carefully check the affected tooth or teeth.
Once they have all the necessary information, they will form a treatment plan and go over the details so that you are not surprised along the way. They will then start to address the reason for your facial pain, working to not only alleviate it but also eliminate the problem that caused it in the first place.
Don’t assume your facial pain is nothing to be concerned about. Getting the immediate help you need is the best way to ensure the health and well-being of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Veazey-Georges is a talented dentist in Nocatee who completed her dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Helping to oversee the team at Palm Leaf Dental, she takes a conservative approach when treating damaged smiles. When a patient arrives with a dental emergency, she is quick to help alleviate the pain while formulating a treatment plan that targets the root issue and improves oral health. If you are suffering from facial pain and unsure if you should seek professional help, contact us at (904) 810-5702.