Take Jaw Pain Seriously: It May Be the Sign of a Dental Problem

At PGA Center for Advanced Dentistry, we have helped countless patients in and around the greater Palm Beach Gardens. This is thanks to Advanced Approaches In Restorative Dentistry as well as expert preventative and general care.

We stress to our patients that any kind of oral pain they experience should be brought to our attention when possible. This is particularly true of jaw pain, which may be related to a number of different health concerns.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Jaw Pain

When you have wisdom teeth that are coming in crooked, it’s not uncommon for that to cause dental pain. It may be focused on your teeth, but it can radiate to the jaw area in general. This is one reason why impacted wisdom teeth should be surgically removed.

Root Canal Infections and Jaw Pain

Root canal infections are another case of the pain coming from a tooth but radiating to the jaw joint instead. In such cases, your rear molar may be suffering from an infection of the dental pulp inside, and your jaw may be experiencing pain as a result. If left untreated, the infection can spread and affect other structures of the mouth, so getting endodontic therapy is ideal as soon as the infection is detected.

Crooked Teeth and Jaw Pain

If you have teeth that are not straight, it may be causing you problems with the overall quality of your bite. This, in turn, can result in serious stress being placed on your teeth, your gums, and your jaw joint. All of these parts of your mouth simply cannot function optimally in such cases, resulting in pain. For major issues with malocclusion such as this, your ideal option for care is orthodontic treatment.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) and Jaw Pain

Teeth grinding can cause a great deal of dental health and wellness issues. As you clench, shift, and gnash your teeth, you could be doing damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joint. In a number of cases, people experience jaw pain as a symptom of teeth grinding. The condition can be relieved through the use of a bite guard, orthodontic treatment, and stress management techniques.

TMJ Disorders and Jaw Pain

TMJ disorders are best known for the locking, clicking, and crunching in the jaw joint as people speak, bite, chew, and yawn. It can be quite painful, especially given how much worse your jaw may be functioning. TMJ disorders may be the result of malocclusion, teeth grinding, arthritis, and/or jaw injuries. Proper treatment will vary based on the root cause, but generally, dentists work to avoid resorting to surgery when necessary.

Oral Cancer and Jaw Pain

Abnormal growths in the area of the jaw can result in pain and discomfort, which is why it’s very important to get regular screenings for oral cancer, especially if you are older and have a family history of cancer. Early detection means a better chance of successful treatment.

Contact PGA Center for Advanced Dentistry

To learn more about your treatment options for dental health problems, we encourage you to Contact Our Cosmetic And Restorative Dentistry Center today. The dental health experts at PGA Center for Advanced Dentistry will help you have the best smile possible.