Facial Folly: Do I Call My Doctor or Dentist for Pain?

If you’ve suddenly developed a sore or inflamed face, you’re likely wondering what to do next. You know you need help but aren’t sure whether to call your doctor or your emergency dentist. In many cases, facial pain points to underlying dental problems. If you contact your doctor first, they may have to refer you to a dentist anyway because they don’t have the same expertise or dental technology onsite. If you’re still uncertain about the best next steps, keep reading to learn about 3 oral issues that could be contributing to your discomfort!

Problem #1: Dental Abscesses

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus around the root of your tooth caused by bacterial infection. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more likely it is to spread and harm your nearby teeth, gums, and jawbone. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent aching.
• Tooth or gum sensitivity.
• Swollen or red gums.
• A foul taste or smell in your mouth.
• Fever

Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist can try to preserve your tooth by performing a root canal to remove the infection and then provide a dental crown to protect it from further harm. Otherwise, an extraction may be necessary to keep your oral health intact.

Problem #2: Dry Socket

If you’ve recently undergone a tooth extraction, and then developed pain around the surgical site, you might have dry socket. This refers to a complication that occurs when the blood clot that forms over your extraction is dislodged. Without it, the nerves and bone underneath your now-removed tooth are exposed which can cause severe discomfort. It also hinders your recovery because your mouth will need to form a new one before it can heal. Common signs of dry socket are:

• Radiating or continual throbbing following an extraction.
• Visible loss of the blood clot over the wound.
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Call your dentist if you suspect that you’re suffering from this condition so they can ensure that your mouth heals properly as well as alleviate the ache.

Problem #3: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

The joints that connect your jawbone to your skull on either side of your face are known as the TMJ (temporomandibular joints). If the tissues surrounding them become inflamed, the ensuing condition is referred to as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders). This happens when your jaw takes on added pressure either from teeth grinding, a bite misalignment, or other concerns. You might have a TMD if you have:

• Discomfort around your jaw when chewing or speaking.
• Limited mobility like a stiff or locked jaw.
• Clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth.
• Swelling in your jaw and face.
• Fatigue

Your dentist can assist you with oral appliances, physical therapy, and orthodontics to help address the underlying issue.

If you suspect your teeth are contributing to your facial discomfort, call your dentist. They can help determine what’s behind it so you can get back to being pain-free in no time!

About the Practice

At Jacksonville Dental Excellence, patients benefit from a husband/wife dental duo that offers a wide array of services under one roof, including emergency dentistry. They use state-of-the-art technology to quickly diagnose problems and provide long-lasting, individualized solutions. Their decades of combined experience allow them to act quickly and efficiently while maintaining top-quality results. Urgent situations can happen at any time, but with their same-day emergency appointments, you won’t have to wait for relief. If your face is inflamed or aching, you’re welcome to contact them on the website or by calling (904) 895-4536.