Most dentists have dealt with patients who have come into the office complaining about dental pain and the problem ends up being unrelated to oral health. In other cases, dental treatments like tooth extractions and root canals can create health problems elsewhere in the body. If you are experiencing dental pain, problems that are unrelated to dental health may be the cause. If you are having dental work done, your dentist should review possible complications of the procedure with you so that you understand what symptoms will be of concern following the procedure. Dr. Frantz Backer, lead dentist at Advanced Dentistry of New York, in Jackson Heights, New York, explains a variety of health problems that are related to dental health and dental procedures.
Dr. Backer frequently sees patients who are suffering from tooth pain caused by a sinus infection or sinus inflammation. Pain in the upper molars is common in patients suffering from sinus infections, and if a toothache persists and the dentist is unable to find a cause for the pain, it is a good idea to consult a physician about sinus problems. That is because if the pain is not caused by tooth grinding, a dental abscess, a cavity, or periodontal disease, it may be sinus related. In most cases, the infection can be treated with an antibiotic, and once the infection is cleared, the pain goes away.
Tooth Extractions
Because the roots of the upper back teeth extend into the sinuses, occasionally damage is done to the sinuses when teeth are removed from the mouth. If you have developed a sinus problem following a tooth extraction, there is a chance the sinus membrane was perforated during the extraction. Damage to the sinuses is not common during extractions, but it does happen. If you notice you have developed problems with breathing or congestion, or sinus pain in the months or years following an extraction, the membrane may be damaged. If this is the case, an oral surgeon can perform an operation to repair the damage. The surgery repositions soft tissue in the area that covers the space between the sinus and the mouth. This procedure prevents bacteria from growing in this space and reduces the risk of future sinus infections.
TMJ
Dental pain may also be confused with temporo-manibular joints (TMJ) pain. According to Dr. Backer, “Radiating TMJ symptoms can also mimic dental aches,” making you think you have cavity pain, or a condition related to a specific tooth. TMJ pain may spread to your head and neck, so it is important for your dentist to include TMJ in the list of possible causes when diagnosing your pain.
The joints associated with TMJ problems hinge the lower jaw to the skull. When there are problems with these joints, muscle spasms may occur, or there may be a dull ache in the jaw. In other cases, you may suffer from headaches and not even realize the problem is related to your teeth. Causes of TMJ problems include trauma to the area, like being hit in the face, arthritis, or stress. The spasms may also be caused by anesthetic injections or the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
Treatment for TMJ problems can range from over-the-counter medications to more elaborate treatment. If your pain is mild, your dentist may suggest an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. Warm compresses help relax the joints as well. Some dentists recommend exercises that help relieve the tension on the jaw and re-train the facial muscles to relax into a natural position. If you suffer from TMJ pain, you may also need to eat soft food during painful flare-ups.
In more severe cases, it may be necessary to reposition the joint with a splint. This helps relieve the pressure on the nerves, thus alleviating the pain caused by TMJ problems. The splint will need to be worn at all times, even while eating, for the rest of your life. Splints are usually only used in severe cases, when pain is unbearable and damage is being done to the teeth.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort that you believe may be associated with a dental problem, speak with an experienced dentist like Dr. Frantz Backer. He will help you determine if the problem can be solved with dental procedures, or if additional care is needed.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
