The clicking and popping in your jaw when opening and closing can be alarming. You wonder what could be causing this kind of problem and why it’s only happening on one side. Chronic jaw pain can become debilitating if you fail to seek treatment, but in many cases, it may not be as serious as you think. Keep reading to learn what can cause one-sided jaw discomfort and when you should seek emergency dental care.
What Causes Jaw Pain On One Side?
Whether your one-sided jaw pain is a serious problem is a question only your dentist can answer. While many cases are often not concerning, others require emergency assistance to avoid more significant complications.
The most common reasons you might be experiencing jaw pain on only one side of your face include:
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder (TMD) affects the oral and facial structures, making it difficult for you to open and close your mouth. It’s often caused by bite misalignment, teeth grinding, and stress.
- Dental or Gum-Related Issues can cause your jaw to hurt on one side, especially if you notice an abscess, gum recession, wisdom teeth eruption (impaction), or you have a broken or decayed tooth.
- Sinusitis may affect your nasal cavity, but the inflammation can cause you to feel increased pain on one side of your jaw.
- Migraines can be extremely uncomfortable, causing pain to radiate from the head to the jaw. The two areas are connected, so it’s easy to see why this might occur.
When Should You See a Dentist for Treatment?
When dealing with a migraine or sinus infection, the jaw pain you experience is likely to go away on its own once you take certain medications or practice helpful home remedies. However, if your jaw pain stems from a dental, gum, or bite-related issue, you should consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist.
After a thorough examination of the area, they can determine the severity of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment. This may include occlusal adjustment, gum disease therapy, a root canal, a tooth extraction, or an occlusal splint. Regardless of the method chosen, you can expect your dentist to help you achieve positive results that improve your quality of life.
While one-sided jaw pain can be a minor problem that improves over time, never hesitate to seek the help of a trusted professional if you prefer to err on the side of caution.
About the Author
Dr. Zahara Munis earned her dental degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Leading the way at Snow Dental, she provides emergency dental care to patients experiencing severe pain or unexpected injury. Since jaw pain is a common problem, she and her team can use various techniques to improve oral movement and daily jaw use. If you are worried about the jaw pain you’re experiencing, visit our website or call (512) 371-7239 to schedule an appointment.