Facial Asymmetry and Tooth Pain: When to Seek Dental Care

Tooth sensitivity, with sudden discrepancies in the height of the teeth in the oral cavity?

Doctor, I have a question.
I completed my orthodontic treatment in high school, but in recent years, I've noticed that my left face seems to be getting larger (only the left side).
This year, when I went to the dentist for a cavity, the dentist mentioned that my oral bones are misaligned, which is causing the left side of my face to enlarge.
However, since it hasn't worsened significantly, I didn't pay much attention to it.

Starting from a few days ago, I suddenly began to feel a dull ache and swelling in the bones of my left face, which has been intermittent until this week.
I also noticed that my eyebrows and eyes appear slightly uneven (the left side is higher, and the right eye is lower).
Then, two days ago, I started experiencing pain in my lower right teeth, similar to the discomfort I felt during my previous orthodontic treatment.
I also observed that my lower right teeth have shifted downwards, making the height of my right lower teeth different from that of my left lower teeth, which is now lower.

Since yesterday, my upper right teeth have been extremely painful.
I am unsure if this indicates that my right side of the jaw is shifting downwards, potentially causing my right face to become misaligned, which could explain why my right eyebrow and eye are lower.
I am feeling anxious and don't know what to do.
Could this situation worsen, leading to a more severe discrepancy in the height of my eyes? Doctor, what do you think is happening? Is it urgent? If I don't seek treatment immediately, could it worsen within a few days? Should I see a general dentist or an orthodontist?

Bee, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/12

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry

Hello, due to the aforementioned issues, a diagnosis can only be made through examination.
I recommend that you visit a clinic or hospital for evaluation.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Huang Chih-Cheng, Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/04/12

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that could be related to dental issues, facial asymmetry, and possibly underlying orthodontic concerns. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

Firstly, the asymmetry in your face, particularly the noticeable changes on the left side, could be attributed to several factors. After orthodontic treatment, it is not uncommon for some individuals to experience changes in their facial structure over time, especially if there are underlying skeletal discrepancies or if the teeth have shifted. The fact that your dentist mentioned a misalignment in your jawbone suggests that there may be a structural issue contributing to the asymmetry.

The sudden onset of pain and swelling on the left side of your face, along with the discomfort in your teeth, indicates that there may be inflammation or an issue with the dental structures on that side. This could be due to several reasons, including:
1. Dental Infection: An infection in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue can lead to swelling and pain. This is often accompanied by sensitivity and could potentially cause changes in the alignment of your teeth.

2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ disorders can lead to facial asymmetry, pain, and discomfort in the jaw area. If your jaw is not functioning properly, it can affect how your teeth come together, leading to discomfort and potential shifting.

3. Periodontal Issues: Gum disease can also lead to changes in the bone structure around your teeth, which may contribute to the asymmetry you are noticing.

4. Orthodontic Relapse: If you had braces in the past, there is a possibility that your teeth have shifted back toward their original positions, especially if you have not been wearing a retainer as prescribed.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek dental care as soon as possible. You should consider visiting a dentist who specializes in orthodontics or a general dentist with experience in managing complex dental and facial issues. They will be able to conduct a thorough examination, possibly including X-rays, to assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw, as well as the health of your gums and bone structure.

Regarding your concerns about the urgency of your situation, it is advisable not to delay seeking treatment. Changes in facial symmetry and dental pain can indicate underlying issues that may worsen if left untreated. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and may provide you with more treatment options.

In summary, your symptoms warrant a comprehensive evaluation by a dental professional. They will be able to determine the cause of your pain and asymmetry and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. This may include orthodontic adjustments, periodontal treatment, or other interventions based on the findings. Remember, addressing these issues sooner rather than later can lead to better outcomes and help alleviate your concerns about potential worsening of your condition.

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