Facial Pain

Pain around your mouth, jaw, and eyes can signify underlying issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), dental conditions, and obstructive sleep apnea. At Denver Sleep Apnea in Denver, Colorado, triple board-certified sleep apnea specialist Steven Wilk, DDS, works with you to uncover facial pain’s underlying source and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your discomfort. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is facial pain?

Facial pain is any discomfort felt around the mouth, jaw, and eyes. It can radiate from the face through the ears, head, neck, and shoulders. Many dental problems can cause facial pain, and a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to diagnose the root source.

At Denver Sleep Apnea, Dr. Wilk offers several diagnostic services to pinpoint the cause of facial pain and develop an effective treatment plan.

What causes facial pain?

Many dental conditions can cause facial pain, including:

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

TMJ damages the temporomandibular joints on each side of your jaw. It can strain the muscles supporting your joints, leading to restricted movement, discomfort, and facial pain.

Snoring

When you snore, the tissues in your throat vibrate, which can increase the effort it takes to breathe and strain the facial muscles. Many people who snore experience facial discomfort in the morning due to snoring throughout the night.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA causes the tissues in the back of your throat to collapse during sleep, restricting airflow. Loud snoring, daytime fatigue, facial pain, headaches, and a sore throat are hallmark signs of OSA that can diminish your quality of life.

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

The repetitive grinding that bruxism causes between your upper and lower teeth can lead to muscle soreness in your jaw joint, toothaches, earaches, and widespread facial pain.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine pain

A CPAP mask, which fits snuggly over your nose to deliver continuous airflow during sleep, can lead to red marks, sores, and spots on your face that irritate your skin and cause chronic facial pain.

What are the signs of facial pain?

Facial pain can manifest in several ways, including:

• Dull, aching sensation
• Shooting pain
• Tenderness
• Pain with movement
• Jaw pain
• Earaches
• Facial swelling

Understanding your symptoms can help Dr. Wilk to determine the underlying cause of facial pain, enabling him to tailor a precise and effective treatment plan that addresses the specific factors contributing to your discomfort.

What are the most effective treatments for facial pain?

The treatments Dr. Wilk recommends for facial pain depend on the cause but may include:

• Mandibular advancement device (MAD) 
• Tongue-retaining device (TRD)
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Medication
• Botox®

With Dr. Wilk’s experience and range of treatments, you can find lasting relief from facial pain. Call Denver Sleep Apnea today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.