Can Emergency Dentists Treat Severe Jaw Pain Fast?
If you’re suffering from severe jaw pain, you’re probably wondering how quickly emergency dentists can give you relief. Can our emergency dentists treat severe jaw pain fast? The answer is yes. At Buckeye Immediate Dental, we offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies like severe jaw pain. Visit us today if you have a dental emergency, or keep reading to learn more about what might be causing your severe pain.
What Causes Severe Pain in Your Jaw?
Tooth Infections or Abscesses
Deep tooth infections are one of the most common causes of toothaches and severe jaw pain. When tooth decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, the bacteria can spread to the root of the tooth and the surrounding bone. This kind of infection leads to throbbing pain in your tooth and jaw. Unfortunately, tooth infections rarely go away on their own. It’s best to get emergency treatments as soon as possible. If you have a tooth infection, you may also notice:
- You have a fever
- You have swelling along your jawline
- Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods
- It’s painful to bite down
- A bad taste in your mouth
TMJ Disorders
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jaw to your skull. When the TMJ is strained or inflamed, it can be very painful. TMJ-related pain often feels a lot different than tooth pain. It feels more like an ache near your ear or a sharp pain when you open your mouth wide. Your jaw may “click” or “pop” when you move it in certain ways. Stress, teeth grinding, and poor bite alignment can all cause TMJ disorders.
Impacted or Infected Wisdom Teeth
Your severe jaw pain could also stem from impacted or infected wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt through the gums, bacteria can build up in the area and trigger infections. These infections can lead to severe swelling and pain near the back of the jaw. These are some other symptoms of impacted or infected wisdom teeth:
- Tender gums behind your molars
- It’s hard to open your mouth all the way
- One side of your face is swollen
- Pain that spreads to your ears or throat
Dental Injuries
One of the more obvious causes of severe jaw pain is getting hit in the jaw. Sometimes the injury is obvious, like if you have a cracked tooth. But other times, you don’t realize you’ve hurt your jaw from a fall or a sports accident. Even minor jaw injuries should be evaluated. Small cracks or joint strain can get worse if you ignore them.
When Jaw Pain Could Be More Serious
Seek Medical Emergency Treatment If You Have These Symptoms
Sometimes jaw pain can be a sign of a more serious medical emergency. Some sources of jaw pain can be treated in a dental office, but others require immediate medical attention. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Pain spreading to your arm, neck, or shoulder
- Suddenly getting dizzy or nauseous
- Swelling that keeps you from breathing or swallowing normally
It’s rare, but jaw pain can be one of the early warning signs of a heart attack, especially for women. If something feels off, it’s better to be safe than sorry—always seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms along with your jaw pain.
Our Emergency Dentists Can Help
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
At Buckeye Immediate Dental, our dentists can treat your jaw pain quickly. We start with a focused exam and digital X-rays if needed. Once we’ve determined whether your dental pain is from an infection, an impacted tooth, TMJ joint inflammation, or trauma, we act quickly to get you pain relief.
Depending on your situation, immediate relief may include:
- Prescription-strength pain medication
- Anti-inflammatories
- Antibiotics to control your infection
- Draining any abscesses you have to relieve pressure
- Stabilizing or extracting loose teeth
If your jaw pain is from a severely infected tooth, we may be able to perform a root canal or an extraction during the same visit. If you have a more serious problem, like impacted wisdom teeth, a fractured jaw, or a severe infection, we can prescribe you pain medication and connect you with local oral surgeons or medical providers to get you the care you need as soon as possible.
FAQs About Severe Jaw Pain
Can severe jaw pain ever go away on its own?
Mild jaw soreness from clenching or chewing may improve over time without dental treatments. But if you have constant, severe jaw pain with swelling, it’s unlikely to go away without treatment. Infections, abscesses, impacted teeth, and fractures usually require professional dental care.
When should I “walk in” to an emergency dentist instead of scheduling an appointment?
You should seek same-day care if your pain is severe, sudden, or if you have severe swelling, fever, difficulty chewing, or trouble opening your mouth. Don’t suffer for days if your jaw pain is interfering with your eating, sleeping, or working.
Will I have to wait long if I walk in for an appointment at Buckeye Immediate Dental?
We treat our patients in the order they arrive, but we prioritize true emergencies. Our front desk staff will ask you about your symptoms and may move you ahead if you’re experiencing intense pain, swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection.
Contact Buckeye Immediate Dental if You Have a Dental Emergency
Emergency Dental Services in Columbus Ohio
You should never ignore severe jaw pain. Getting evaluated quickly can prevent complications and give you relief, whether your jaw pain is from an infected tooth, a TMJ disorder, wisdom teeth, jaw trauma, or something more serious. Our emergency dental team is here to give you answers and same-day dental care here in Columbus Ohio.
Contact Buckeye Immediate Dental today to schedule an appointment or visit our office immediately if you have an urgent dental emergency.