
Jan
Are you experiencing facial pain that you feel could be a sign of a bigger problem? Not only can this affect your day-to-day life by making you live in discomfort, but if itās a result of an underlying oral health problem, not receiving timely treatment could cause it to become worse. Read on to learn four oral health problems that can cause facial pain and whether they require emergency dental treatment.
Tooth infections also referred to as dental abscesses, are known for causing painful toothaches and sensitivity when you bite down or chew. They typically develop due to untreated decay, compromised restorations, or dental damage that affects the protective enamel of a tooth, providing harmful oral bacteria access to the more vulnerable inner structures.
When bacteria are able to penetrate the inner chamber of a tooth, they can attack the pulp, which is a collection of soft tissue and nerves, causing severe facial and tooth pain. This issue requires immediate emergency treatment to keep it from spreading.
A dry socket is closely associated with wisdom tooth extractions. After your extraction, a blood clot will form in the pocket where your tooth was, allowing the soft tissues to heal. If the blood clot dislodges or dissolves before the tissues have healed, it can result in facial pain and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
While a certain amount of discomfort post-operation is typical, if it becomes unmanageable and gets worse with time, itās crucial to contact your dentist immediately.
Bruxism, which is the nightly grinding and clenching of teeth, can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including facial pain and headaches, neck tension, jaw tightness, and lockjaw. The constant, nightly tension and force placed on your jaw joints can lead to daily discomfort that can impact your life. To stop bruxism from leading to worsening facial pain, you can receive a customized nightguard that cushions your facial muscles and teeth from routine grinding.
A common cause of nightly grinding besides stress is bite misalignment, including overbite, underbite, and crossbite. This can place additional force on your facial muscles every time you chew, causing strain and pain. The best way to address this issue is with orthodontic treatment, like clear aligners.
Instead of accepting your facial pain as a part of your daily life, seek help from your trusted dentist and emergency dentist. They offer personalized, pain-relieving treatments that can help you regain control of your life again.
Dr. Ivan Chan is a caring and compassionate restorative dentist in Glendale, dedicated to helping patients improve their oral health and achieve beautiful smiles. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Sacramento, he was inspired by his family of dentists to pursue a career in dentistry. Dr. Chan graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a biology degree, where he also volunteered in Student-Run Free Dental Clinics for underserved communities. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco, where he received extensive training in preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.
Dr. Chan is passionate about giving back, having volunteered on mission trips with the US Navy on the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship, as well as providing dental care in Tijuana and Ensenada, Mexico. These experiences reinforced his commitment to ensuring everyone has access to quality dental care.
Outside the office, Dr. Chan enjoys basketball, exploring local breweries, and traveling. He believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance for both personal and professional growth.
For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Glendale Dental Wellness Centerās website or call 818-243-3838.
Dr. Ivan Chan is a compassionate dentist with extensive training in preventative, restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. He earned his Biology degree from the University of California, San Diego, where he helped run free dental clinics for underserved communities. Dr. Chan received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco. He has volunteered on mission trips in Mexico to provide quality dental care to underserved communities. Dr. Chan has also been on humanitarian missions with the US Navy on the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship. Committed to accessible, high-quality dental care, he combines expertise with a dedication to improving everyoneās oral health.
Dr. Jonathan Gao is a dedicated orthodontist with a passion for providing exceptional care. He holds a degree in Human Biology from UC San Diego and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from UC San Francisco (UCSF), where he also completed his orthodontic residency. Dr. Gao’s commitment to both research and community service earned him multiple awards, including Distinguished Volunteer and Provider of the Year at the UCSF Community Dental Clinic. His expertise, coupled with his dedication to serving others, underscores his reputation for delivering trustworthy, patient-centered care.
Dr. Moji Ghalambor is a highly skilled endodontist who is passionate about patient care and community service. He earned his Biology degree from Hope International University, where he also played collegiate soccer, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Southern California (USC). After practicing general dentistry, he pursued specialized training in Endodontics at USC. Dr. Ghalambor served as class president for four years and participated in mission trips to Belize, Cambodia, Nicaragua, and Panama. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to underserved communities define his trustworthy approach.