Jaw discomfort is a frequent complaint that may arise from numerous dental or general health conditions. Usually, it occurs on both sides of the jaw. But what if you notice discomfort on just one side? What might explain this situation, and how can you determine whether emergency dental care is necessary? This blog post provides practical information that can help you decide what to do.
Could Jaw Pain Indicate a Heart Attack?
Jaw pain has the potential to signal a heart attack, especially when it appears alongside symptoms such as chest tension, extreme tiredness, difficulty breathing, or unexpected sweating. If you notice these signs, you should contact emergency services without delay. Taking fast action could save your life!
Of course, most instances of jaw pain should not cause you to panic. While you should certainly seek emergency care if you suspect a heart attack, the majority of cases are related to other issues that do not have immediate life-and-death consequences.
Pain Caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (also called TMD or TMJ) affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. Damage or inflammation in these areas can produce a range of symptoms, including pain that may occur on one or both sides of your jaw. If you suspect this condition, you should schedule a dental evaluation. A professional can pinpoint the source and recommend your next steps. For example, you might benefit from a special mouthguard that prevents nighttime teeth grinding.
Dental Abscesses and Severe Jaw Pain
A dental abscess is a pocket filled with pus, which is the result of a serious tooth infection. This problem may lead to intense pain in your jaw. You could also experience swelling in your face, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or a fever. Swift intervention is essential to stop the infection from spreading into nearby tissues and causing widespread problems. Your dentist might need to drain the abscess, perform root canal therapy, or extract the affected tooth entirely.
Sinusitis and Jaw Discomfort
Sinusitis develops when the sinuses experience inflammation due to allergies or a bacterial infection. This issue often leads to pain in the area directly above your jaw, and it might occur on only one side. If your symptoms last for more than a week, it would be wise to visit your primary care doctor for treatment. Antibiotics, nasal sprays, or other therapies might bring relief.
Less Common Reasons for One-Sided Jaw Pain
Other potential culprits behind one-sided jaw pain include:
- Trigeminal neuralgia: You might suffer sudden, intense facial pain if the trigeminal nerve, which runs through the head and face, malfunctions or becomes compressed. This condition usually impacts only one side of the jaw and face. Treatments include prescription medications, surgical procedures, or nerve block therapy.
- Osteomyelitis: This rare bone infection can arise after surgery, producing symptoms such as jaw pain, fever, and swelling. Immediate medical attention is necessary to reduce the risk of further complications.
- Tumors and cysts: Growths — whether benign or malignant — can lead to discomfort in your jaw. Surgical removal often becomes necessary to relieve pain and address the underlying issue.
Jaw pain on one side could indicate a major health problem, or it might be less urgent in nature. Either way, you should listen to your body and seek professional care in a timely manner.
Meet the Practice
At Little Rock Family Dental Care, our team of specialists and general dentists is proud to offer top-quality emergency services. If you believe you have a dental abscess or another urgent oral health problem that is causing jaw pain, we are ready to advise you on your next steps. Contact any of our conveniently located offices or call our West location at 501-514-9205.