Overview
Facial pain is incredibly common, can have many causes, and often doesn’t require medical attention. If facial pain suddenly occurs without any reason or occurs following an injury, seek medical attention. The most common cause of facial pain is temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs).
Treatment Options
1. Prevention
Migraines and tension headaches can be prevented to a certain extent by reducing stress, getting enough sleep, drinking water, reducing your caffeine intake, and limiting your screen time.
2. Medication
Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, can help relieve the pain, and prescription medication can help reduce the symptoms of illnesses.
3. Hold or cold therapy
Ice helps reduce inflammation, and heat can help relax tense muscles.
Symptoms
- TMJ disorders: stiffness in jaw muscles, jaw pain radiating to face, head, neck, decreased jaw mobility
- Constant aching or burning sensation on the face
- Severe stabbing or throbbing pain on the face
- Unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth
- Swollen face
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- A painful or loose tooth
Diagnostic Tests
If your face pain worsens or doesn’t improve with treatment, seek medication attention. A medical professional will conduct a physical examination of your face and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also order imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI scan, or X-ray to help determine the cause of your facial pain.
Types
- Dental Pain: pain related to problems with your teeth and gums
- Neuralgia: conditions affecting the facial nerves
- Temporomandibular (TMJ) pain: pain related to the TMJ joint and jaw muscles
- Vascular pain: pain related to issues with your blood vessels and blood flow
Causes
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Abscess
- Damaged TMJ joint
- Dental issues: toothache, oral infections
- Headaches: migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches
- Injuries: accidents, falls, blunt force trauma to the face
- Herpes (HSV-1): can cause painful cold sores
- Nasal issues: deviated septum, sinusitis
- TMJ Disorders
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
Facts
More than 15% of adult Americans live with some form of chronic facial pain.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Site Development and Marketing by: ReignDigital.Marketing
LOCATIONS:
Gilbert:
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375