One of the reasons why dentists are so important is that it can be incredibly difficult to determine on your own what kind of oral health problem you’re dealing with, especially on the basis of feeling alone. This is even more true when it comes to dental emergencies, when discomfort can make it a little bit difficult to think straight.
However, going to your dentist with a little bit of an idea of what problem is bothering you can save time for both you and them. If you’re dealing with a certain amount of facial pain, here are a few things that could be responsible.
What is a Dental Abscess?
Dental abscesses are small, pus-filled lumps that can appear on the gumline as a consequence of severe oral infection. They’re remarkably painful, so much so that a single abscess could cause your entire face to feel uncomfortable.
Dental abscesses will typically be accompanied by other signs of infection like inflammation, redness, and even a foul taste in your mouth. You may develop a fever or other flu-like symptoms. Given the discomfort associated with an abscess, it’s important to get it treated immediately.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ are two small joints that connect the jaw to the rest of the face, located very close to the ears. When you put a lot of pressure on these joints, or if you’ve recently had significant trauma to your face, they can come out of alignment. This is known as a TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders can cause a fair amount of jaw pain, especially when opening or closing your mouth. They can also cause you to grind your teeth habitually, which can do damage to your teeth over time. While not necessarily a dental emergency, it’s worth bringing this kind of jaw pain to the attention of your dentist so that they can formulate a plan to help you.
How Can Sinus Infections Be Confused For Tooth Pain?
While not necessarily connected to the health of the teeth or jaw, the sinuses are located all across the face, and some of them are very close to the mouth. If you develop a sinus infection, you might deal with a fair amount of face pain, as well as a runny nose and other flu-like symptoms.
Dentists specialize in teeth, but they’re also doctors with a strong understanding of the entire face. If you have a sinus infection, your dentist may actually be able to help you diagnose and even deal with the issue. At the very least, they could direct you to a specialist who will.
About Our Practice
At RP Dental & Implants, we know the difference that missing even a few teeth can make, and we love nothing more than helping our patients get their smiles back. Dr. Patel and Dr. Wadsworth have both decades of clinical experience and a mastery of the latest technologies in oral medicine, which means that they’re the perfect people to help you get a smile that you can trust for decades to come.
If you have any questions about dental emergencies, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (352) 750-0008.