Facial pain can affect every aspect of your life, from the way you eat and talk to the quality of your sleep. Although it can be difficult to determine the cause of this discomfort, specialists have access to a range of procedures, including dental surgery, to relieve your symptoms. This guide outlines three common causes of facial pain, and how an oral surgeon can help.

Dental Abscesses 

When dental decay or periodontal disease is left untreated, infections can form at the end of the tooth roots or in the tissue within the socket. These infections are called abscesses, and they can cause a tremendous amount of facial pain and pressure. Dental surgery is often required to remove the infected tissue. The surgeon may also need to insert dental implants to replace permanently damaged teeth.

TMJ Disorders

The Temporomandibular joints, also called TMJ, holds your lower jaw to your skull. These joints can move side to side, up and down, and in smooth, circular motions. If they are not working in tandem, you may experience facial pain. TMJ problems range in severity from hearing popping sounds when you open and close your mouth to feeling a shooting pain on the side of your face. Oral surgeons can provide solutions such as anterior joint disc removal, bone spur removal, and even full joint replacements to address the pain.

Trauma

Trauma due to car accidents, contact sports, or even grinding your teeth at night can lead to facial pain. During dental surgery, specialists can remove damaged teeth, perform endodontic therapy to treat the affected tooth roots and pulp, and even complete bone grafts to promote healing.

If facial pain is affecting your daily routine, talk with the professionals at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. These experienced surgeons specialize in a wide range of procedures, including general dental surgery, implants, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, and even complex jaw surgery. With special training in preoperative, operative, and postoperative care, they have the knowledge and experience to keep you safe and comfortable during the procedure. For more information, visit their website or call (907) 561-1430.