One-Sided Jaw Pain: Is It a Dental Emergency?

Feeling any type of pain can leave you feeling down. You might have trouble enjoying certain things, especially if it’s in your jaw. However, if this is the case, it may be hurting only one side of your face. Since it’s localized, you might be left confused as to why you are feeling this type of discomfort. Here’s a bit more of why this may be happening and whether your emergency dentist can help.

What Can Cause One-Sided Jaw Pain?

There are several culprits that may be behind your one-sided jaw pain, but the only way to know which is true for you is by talking to a professional. These are some situations that can lead to your mouth hurting:

• A dental abscess can develop from a tooth infection, but it’s a pimple-like bump near the affected structure. You may also have swelling and a fever with this, but this scenario does require an urgent dental visit.
• Injury or trauma to your face, like an accidental fall, facial blow, or anything similar, can make your jaw ache. But if you think it’s broken, then you should go to your local ER. If not, then consider talking to your dentist to see if it’s tooth-related.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can make your facial muscles sore and tender. Teeth grinding or clenching is just one thing that can cause this condition, but your oral healthcare provider can help fix it.
• A sinus infection can cause a buildup of pressure in your sinus cavities, which can feel like discomfort on just one side of your jaw.

So, Can My Dentist Fix My One-Sided Jaw Pain?

Since there are several different reasons for the pain you may be feeling, you might be wondering who you should visit to get it fixed. There are several that your dentist can help with, but you should go to them if you also notice these symptoms with your discomfort:

• It’s getting worse and is swollen.
• You have trouble when opening and closing your mouth.
• Notice signs of infection, such as pus or redness.
• Have chills or a fever.

In the end, it doesn’t hurt to double-check with your dentist. By having a visit, you will be able to see if they can get you to the pain-free smile you deserve. If not, then you can learn the next steps to get back to a comfortable grin once again.

About the Practice

At Marvel Dental, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are dedicated to helping the Burleson community get a stronger set of teeth, especially during dental emergencies. By offering same-day urgent visits, we can get you the relief you need as soon as possible. If you are worried about your one-sided jaw pain, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (817) 933-3883.