Facial pain can be more than just an annoyance—it’s often a sign that something serious is happening with your teeth, gums, or jaw. While minor discomfort may resolve on its own, sudden or severe facial pain could indicate a dental emergency that needs immediate care. Ignoring it can lead to infections, tooth loss, or complications that affect your overall health. Here are 5 common dental emergencies that can cause facial pain and why you should never wait to call your dentist.
1. Tooth Abscess or Infection
A tooth abscess is one of the most painful dental emergencies. It occurs when bacteria infect the root of a tooth or the surrounding gum tissue, creating a pocket of pus. This infection can cause intense, throbbing pain that radiates through your jaw, ear, or neck. Swelling, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth are also common signs.
If untreated, the infection can spread beyond your mouth and become life-threatening. Your dentist will likely need to drain the abscess and may recommend a root canal or tooth extraction to remove the source of infection. Pain relief and antibiotics can help, but prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.
2. Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth can cause sharp, sudden facial pain—especially when biting down or exposing the tooth to hot or cold temperatures. Even a small crack can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, leading to irritation or infection if bacteria enter.
Depending on the severity, your dentist might recommend a dental crown, bonding, or root canal to restore the tooth’s structure and relieve pain. If the tooth has split completely, extraction may be necessary. Until you can see your dentist, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and rinse with warm salt water to reduce irritation.
3. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to emerge properly can become impacted, meaning they grow at an angle or remain trapped beneath the gums. This can cause jaw stiffness, swelling, and pain that radiates through the face. Impacted wisdom teeth may also lead to infection or crowding of nearby teeth.
Your dentist will likely take an X-ray to assess the position of the teeth. In most cases, surgical removal is the best solution to prevent recurring pain and further damage. After extraction, discomfort usually subsides within a few days.
4. Sinus Infection Linked to Dental Issues
Surprisingly, some sinus infections can mimic tooth or facial pain—especially those caused by upper tooth infections that spread to the sinus cavity. This condition, known as sinusitis of dental origin, causes pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and upper jaw.
If your facial pain worsens when you bend over or you feel congested, it could be sinus related. However, if it’s linked to a dental infection, your dentist will treat the underlying tooth problem, which often resolves the sinus symptoms as well.
5. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause pain that spreads across the face, temples, and neck. TMJ disorders often result from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis, or injury.
Common symptoms include clicking sounds when opening your mouth, jaw stiffness, and facial tenderness. Treatment options range from mouthguards and relaxation techniques to dental bite adjustments or physical therapy.
Facial pain should never be ignored—it’s often your body’s way of signaling a serious dental problem. Whether it’s an abscess, cracked tooth, impacted wisdom teeth, sinus infection, or TMJ disorder, prompt dental care is the key to lasting relief.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? If so, come see our expert team at Dolan Dental! We offer same-day emergency appointments, so we’ll get you in and manage your pain quickly and efficiently. You’ll appreciate our compassionate team of dentists who have different sedation methods available if you find yourself experiencing acute anxiety at the thought of a dental visit. If you’re in an urgent fix, don’t delay – schedule an appointment now online or call (860) 529-2000.