You woke up with a throbbing headache, or you’re having difficulty eating or drinking — and now you’re worried about having a nasty infection.
What you have is jaw pain. It is an incredible symptom with many potential causes.
Understanding what jaw pain means is critical in determining whether you should schedule an appointment with a medical professional.
Here is a detailed guide to understanding the different medical conditions which can cause jaw pain and how you can know when it’s time to see a doctor.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be due to a range of medical conditions or injuries. Some common causes of jaw pain include TMJ pain, tooth pain and infected jaw, arthritis, jaw fractures and dislocations, sinus problems, impacted teeth, and gingivitis.
Depending on the cause of the pain, it can be severe or mild and cause aching to shoot pain. Other symptoms may include difficulty chewing, grinding teeth, clenching, or a change in jaw alignment.
How to Diagnose Jaw Pain
Dental pain can reveal a lot about your health, so it’s critical to determine the cause of your discomfort. Jaw pain can signify many issues, from injury to tension or everyday stress.
Rule out any medical concerns before assuming the cause is minor. When your jaw pain persists for more than two weeks, it is critical to consult your doctor.
Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to reduce pain, discomfort, and other symptoms of chronic jaw pain. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history to understand the pain and help determine the cause.
Depending on your symptoms, they may order more tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. Once you consider the underlying causes, your doctor can create a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.
Medical Treatments Available
Bone grafting is a popular medical treatment for jaw pain. It is due to its effectiveness at relieving pain and its minimal invasiveness. During the procedure, a surgeon removes a healthy bone from a donor site and grafts it onto the affected area.
The graft helps to build new bones and improve jaw stability, thereby reducing pain. The question is, how much is bone grafting? Usually, it depends on the condition of the jawbone and the specific needs of the patient, or you can consult an expert regarding its cost.
Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. It means that patients tend to recover.
After surgery, patients may need to take medications to reduce inflammation, wear a splint, and undergo physical therapy. It ensures that the bones stay in place.
Patients may also need to practice jaw exercises to strengthen their jaw and facial muscles. Bone grafting is an effective treatment for jaw pain and helps to reduce pain and improve jaw stability.
Get Rid of Jaw Pain Today
From diagnosis to treatment, jaw pain can have physical and emotional components. Understanding the cause and taking proactive steps to handle stress and lifestyle changes can help relieve and prevent more problems. Speak with your physician if the pain persists, as it may show an underlying health issue.
Waiting until it becomes an issue is not an option. Control your health today! For more on health and fitness, check out the rest of our site.
