Facial Pain When Pressing: Is It Related to My Dental Implant? - Dentistry

Share to:

Facial pressure causes pain?


Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a concern I have.
A few days ago, I experienced slight pain in a tooth with a dental prosthesis.
After taking pain medication, the pain gradually subsided.
Now, the tooth itself no longer hurts, but when I press on the right side of my face, particularly the area around my nose and cheek, I feel pain that seems to radiate directly to the dental prosthesis.
Could this indicate that the gum root of the prosthesis is inflamed?

Zheng Bu Yao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/29

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry


Some of the teeth with dentures are painful.
After taking painkillers, the pain subsides, but there is still tenderness when pressing on the right side of the face, particularly the cheek area.
This may indicate inflammation or infection in the dental roots or gums beneath the denture.
It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination, and if necessary, to take X-rays to check for any infection in the dental roots.

Reply Date: 2016/01/29

More Info


Facial pain when pressing on the cheek, especially in relation to a dental implant, can be concerning and may indicate several underlying issues. Based on your description, it seems that the initial pain you experienced in the area of the dental implant has transitioned into a more localized discomfort when pressure is applied to the cheek near the nose. This could suggest a few possibilities, including inflammation or infection around the dental implant site, or even issues related to the surrounding tissues.

Firstly, it is important to understand that dental implants can sometimes lead to complications such as peri-implantitis, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding the implant. This condition can arise due to bacterial infection, often resulting from inadequate oral hygiene or the presence of plaque. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the area, which could explain the discomfort you feel when pressing on your cheek.

Additionally, the pain you are experiencing could be related to the dental implant itself. If the implant is not properly integrated with the jawbone, it may cause discomfort or pain that can radiate to surrounding areas, including the cheek. This is particularly relevant if there was any trauma or excessive force applied to the implant during the healing process.

Another possibility is that the pain is referred from another dental issue, such as a problem with adjacent teeth or gums. For example, if there is an underlying infection or inflammation in the gums or teeth near the implant, it could manifest as pain in the cheek area. This is why it is crucial to have a thorough examination by a dental professional who can assess the condition of the implant, the surrounding tissues, and any other potential dental issues.

In your case, since you mentioned that the pain has subsided with the use of pain medication, it may indicate that the inflammation is not severe. However, the persistence of discomfort when pressure is applied suggests that further investigation is warranted. A dental professional may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays, to evaluate the condition of the implant and the surrounding bone structure. This can help identify any signs of infection, bone loss, or other complications that may require treatment.

It is also worth noting that facial pain can sometimes be associated with other conditions, such as sinusitis, especially if the pain is localized near the nose and cheek area. Sinus infections can cause referred pain that mimics dental pain, so it is important to consider all potential causes.

In conclusion, while the pain you are experiencing may be related to your dental implant, it is essential to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the findings. Early intervention is key to preventing further complications and ensuring the long-term success of your dental implant.

Similar Q&A

Pain in Dental Implants After Intense Exercise: Causes and Solutions

Doctor, every time I exercise or run, I experience pain in the area where I have dentures. I've had my dentures for nearly 10 years, and due to needing a dental bridge, the entire lower right quadrant of my jaw is made up of artificial teeth. However, after exercising, the p...


Dr. Cao Guoqing reply Dentistry
Hello Ah Hong: I apologize for the delayed response. After exercising, your dentures may hurt. One reason for the pain could be an increase in blood pressure, which raises the internal pressure in the teeth. Another possible cause of the pain is that these teeth may have underlyi...

[Read More] Pain in Dental Implants After Intense Exercise: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Facial Pain: Is It a Neurological Issue?

Hello, Dr. Yeh: I experience mild pain when lightly pressing on my right cheekbone. Could this be a neurological issue? Should I schedule an appointment with a neurologist? Thank you!


Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
If the pain does not improve, please consult a neurologist for further evaluation. Thank you!

[Read More] Understanding Facial Pain: Is It a Neurological Issue?


Understanding Teeth Grinding and Dental Fillings: Pain and Anesthesia Insights

I am currently studying in Canada, and due to grinding my teeth while sleeping, I have worn down the filling in my right back tooth. The dentist here administered a local anesthetic before repairing my tooth. Initially, I only experienced soreness in my cheek from grinding, but a...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Bang, 1. If there is sensitivity or pain in the tooth that has been filled, local anesthesia can be considered before the procedure to help alleviate discomfort during the filling process. 2. Cheek pain is mostly related to long-term nighttime bruxism, which causes ten...

[Read More] Understanding Teeth Grinding and Dental Fillings: Pain and Anesthesia Insights


Understanding Your Facial Pain: Possible Neurological Issues Explained

Hello Doctor, for the past few months, I have been experiencing pain in the gums of the last tooth on the left side at the back. Sometimes the pain radiates to my lower jaw, and at other times, it shifts to my upper jaw. I feel like my teeth are biting the edge of my tongue and t...


Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Lee, You mentioned that "the acidic pain in the mouth can extend to the cheeks and then to the ears, and it can also radiate to the muscles of the tongue and the upper and lower jaws," which suggests trigeminal neuralgia. The diagnostic criteria for trigeminal...

[Read More] Understanding Your Facial Pain: Possible Neurological Issues Explained


Related FAQ

Pain

(Dentistry)

Pain In The Temporomandibular Joint

(Dentistry)

Tongue Pain

(Dentistry)

Facial Swelling

(Dentistry)

Bruxism

(Dentistry)

Tmj

(Dentistry)

Oral Blister

(Dentistry)

Occlusal Splint

(Dentistry)

Tooth Trauma

(Dentistry)

Bite

(Dentistry)