Jaw Pain & Facial Injury

Jaw pain or facial trauma can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to eat, speak, or even sleep. Whether caused by an injury, TMJ disorder, or a dental infection, jaw pain should never be ignored. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, you may need emergency dental care.

At Vancouver Emergency Dentist, we provide immediate evaluation and treatment for jaw pain and injuries. Call now for urgent care!

Pain in Jaw can arise from multiple dental and medical conditions, including:

• Trauma or Impact Injuries: Sports injuries, falls, or car accidents can cause fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage in the jaw.
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD): Dysfunction in the jaw joint can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
• Dental Infections or Abscesses: Untreated infections in the teeth or gums can spread to the jaw, causing severe swelling and discomfort.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching): Habitual grinding can cause muscle fatigue, headaches, and chronic jaw pain.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: If wisdom teeth are growing improperly, they can put pressure on the jaw and surrounding teeth, leading to pain and inflammation.
• Dislocated or Fractured Jaw: A serious injury requiring immediate medical and dental attention to prevent long-term damage.

If your jaw pain is accompanied by severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or excessive bleeding, seek emergency medical care immediately.

You should seek immediate dental or medical attention if you experience:

• Severe jaw pain that doesn’t improve with pain relievers.
• Limited jaw movement or difficulty opening/closing your mouth.
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw.
• Facial swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the jaw area.
• Numbness in the jaw, lips, or chin (potential nerve damage).
• Pain radiating to the ear, neck, or head.
• Bite misalignment or sudden difficulty chewing.

Ignoring jaw pain can lead to long-term complications, including permanent joint damage or chronic pain disorders.

At our emergency dental clinic, we offer fast and effective solutions based on the cause of your jaw pain.

1. Diagnostic Evaluation & X-Rays

• A thorough examination, including digital X-rays, helps us identify fractures, joint damage, or infections.
• If the injury is severe, we may refer you to an oral surgeon or medical specialist for additional care.

2. Treatment for TMJ Disorders (TMD)

• If TMJ dysfunction is the cause, we provide jaw exercises, custom nightguards, and muscle relaxants to relieve pain.
• For severe cases, Botox injections or occlusal adjustments may be recommended.

3. Jaw Stabilization & Splinting (For Fractures or Dislocations)

• If you have a mild jaw fracture or dislocation, we may use stabilization splints or bandages to support healing.
• Severe fractures may require oral surgery or wiring to realign the jaw.

4. Treatment for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

• Custom nightguards or bite splints can protect your teeth and reduce jaw muscle tension.
• In some cases, stress management techniques or lifestyle changes may be recommended.

5. Wisdom Tooth Extraction (If Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Pain)

• If impacted wisdom teeth are the root cause of your jaw pain, an extraction may be necessary to relieve discomfort.

6. Infection & Abscess Drainage

• If an infection is spreading to the jaw, we provide drainage, antibiotics, and root canal therapy if needed.

While waiting for your appointment, try these remedies to reduce pain and swelling:

✔ Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
✔ Take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to ease discomfort.
✔ Avoid hard or chewy foods that may strain the jaw.
✔ Use a warm compress for TMJ-related jaw stiffness.
✔ Try relaxation techniques if jaw clenching is a factor.

If you suspect a fractured or dislocated jaw, do NOT try to realign it yourself—seek immediate professional care.

Many causes of jaw pain can be avoided with proper preventive care:

• Wear a custom mouthguard when playing contact sports.
• Manage stress levels to reduce teeth grinding and jaw tension.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infections.
• Address misaligned bites or dental issues early to avoid long-term problems.
• Visit your dentist regularly to monitor jaw health and prevent complications.

As one of the top emergency dental practices, we understand patient comfort is important. Jaw pain can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to eat, speak, or sleep. If you're experiencing severe jaw discomfort, swelling, or difficulty moving your jaw, don't wait—our Vancouver, WA, emergency dental team is here to provide fast relief.