Aside from Trigeminal Neuralgia: Other Causes of Facial Pain

Facial pain can be felt on any part of the face, including the eyes and mouth. The most common cause of facial pain is trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by a sporadic shooting pain in the face. Despite its commonness, trigeminal neuralgia is far from the only cause of facial pain in Brandon, Fl dentist patients. With a detailed history and examination, the actual cause of the condition can be accurately determined.

Below are other possible causes of facial pain in dental patients.

Atypical odontalgia

People suffering from atypical odontalgia endure a dull throbbing pain in one or more of their teeth or in gums were teeth has been removed. This type of facial pain can begin after a dental treatment such as a root canal, tooth extraction or filling. Though it may seem like it, atypical odontalgia is not caused by teeth and gum problems, but by a faulty pain signal mechanism.

Burning mouth syndrome

Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome include a burning sensation in the tongue, unpleasant taste in the mouth, dryness in or around the mouth area, and even numbness. If a person has burning mouth syndrome, dental appliances such as crowns, dentures and bridges can become painful to wear.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the sinus, and it can transmit a dull, constant pain to the upper teeth. Apart from tooth ache, sinusitis can also be accompanied by fever, fatigue and nasal discharge. Teeth and the sinus area can feel tender to the touch.

Temporomandibular pain

Temporamandibular pain, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, is usually characterized by a dull intermittent pain when the jaw is opened or closed, but it can also be sharp and constant. It is often felt on one side of the face, but both sides can hurt in some patients. Chewing is the most common aggravating factor.

Identifying the problem

Even with this information, it can be difficult to identify the cause of your face pain by yourself. Your best recourse is always to have your condition checked by a Brandon, Fl dentist who specializes in facial pain relief. Such a dentist can review your medical history, perform tests, and even order muscle and bone scans through MRI or CT scan to identify the course of the problem and proceed with the right cause of treatment.

Brandon dental patients who want the most reliable diagnosis and treatment for their facial pain know that they can count trusted providers like Bay Area TMJ and Sleep Center.

Sources:

Facial Pain, patient.info

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?, webmd.com

Other conditions that can cause chronic face pain, brainandspine.org.uk