Emergency Dentist Melbourne offices see a lot of patients who have jaw pain. Some have dental issues. Others have TMJ problems. Understanding the difference allows you to move quickly and prevent serious damage.
Jaw pain is dull or sharp. It could be mild or severe. If it begins unexpectedly, call an Emergency Dentist Melbourne immediately. Such pain indicates infection or injury. Delaying treatment invites more harm and increased expense.
Why Is There Jaw Pain Associated with the Teeth?
Some dental conditions cause jaw pain. Some are emergencies. They are:
- Cracked teeth or broken teeth
- Abscess or infected gums
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Advanced tooth decay
- Loose teeth or knocked-out teeth
You might also require an Emergency Dental Removal if the tooth cannot be saved. Swelling with pain, fever, or bleeding is a strong indicator. Act immediately to avoid the spread of infection. If you are unable to open your mouth or chew, go to a dental clinic immediately.
Signs That Suggest a TMJ Disorder
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint between your jaw and your skull. TMJ pain can lead to jaw, facial, and neck pain. Symptoms may include:
- Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
- Ear pain around
- Trouble chewing
- Headaches and stiff jaw
- Grinding teeth at night
TMJ pain is not typically in need of an Emergency Dental Removal. It can be severe but develops gradually over some time. TMJ pain is generally chronic rather than acute. In those instances, a dentist will refer you to a specialist.
How to Tell the Difference
You can examine the signs to try to guess the reason. Abrupt sharp pain with swelling indicates a dental cause. Persistent pain with popping or stiffness indicates TMJ issues. You also need to check:
Is the pain on one side or both?
Do you notice swelling or have a bad taste in your mouth?
Is your bite-off or jaw locked?
Do pain medications work, or does the pain continue to get worse?
If the pain is severe and prevents you from eating or sleeping, ring an Emergency Dentist Melbourne. Dental pain can be relentless if not treated.
What to Do First
Begin with a cold compress on the affected region. It might help decrease swelling. Use over-the-counter painkillers if necessary. Do not use heat if infection is suspected. Stay hydrated and do not chew on the affected side.
Call an Emergency Dentist Melbourne if your pain worsens. You might be required to get an x-ray to determine the reason. If it is TMJ, your dentist might recommend muscle relaxants, night guard, or physical therapy.
Can You Prevent Jaw Pain?
Yes. You can avoid some jaw pain. Brush and floss every day. Visit your dentist every six months. Wear a mouthguard if you are a teeth grinder. Avoid hard or chewy food if you have a TMJ issue. Practice stress relief techniques to reduce jaw tension.
Regular dental care keeps you out of emergency rooms. It also allows dentists to detect issues early.
If you experience sudden severe jaw pain, don’t ignore it. A simple check will save your tooth, your jaw health, and money in the long term. Let an Emergency Dentist Melbourne determine whether it’s a TMJ condition or a dental emergency.
Emergency Dental Removal is always a last resort, but in many cases, it is the best method of halting extreme pain and avoiding further complications.
Emergency Dentist Melbourne offices can direct you to the proper care quickly. They will assist you in knowing the actual cause and best solution for your jaw pain.
Author Bio
Holistic Dental Wisdom Tooth Dentistry offers dependable dental care with care and comfort at the centre of all services.