It's not uncommon for people to discover ear pain after receiving treatment with their dentist, sometimes in combination with other types of pain, such as sore throat and ear pain after dental treatment. Dry socket pain sometimes radiates into the ear and can also cause worsening of breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Other symptoms include headache and, sometimes, fever from a resulting infection. Most people with TMJ disorder have some type of predisposing factor.
The most common factor is that the molars don't fit as well (called a mild malocclusion). When teeth don't fit together perfectly, biting can cause strain on the jaw joint due to abnormal or uneven force being applied to one or both joint spaces. Quite often, people with TMJ have what doctors call bruxism, which means they clench or grind their teeth. Tooth tensioners tend to squeeze during the day when they focus or think a lot about something.
There are a number of possible reasons why your ear might be hurting after teeth cleaning. These include the use of dental anesthesia, salivary gland stones and osteoarthritis.
Dental anesthesia
If you have ever had dental work done, you may have noticed that ear pain after a dental procedure can be a common occurrence. However, this pain can also be a symptom of more serious problems. If you have symptoms of ear infection or if you feel a constant ringing in your ears, you should see a medical professional right away.
Ear infections are a rare but potentially severe complication after dental treatment. These infections occur when bacteria enter the mouth during the dental procedure. They cause an earache, drainage, fever and sometimes a rash.
Another complication is swelling of the face. This is usually temporary and will go away within a few days. Ice packs are used to reduce swelling.
You may have to take a numbing medicine before receiving the anesthetic. Local anesthetics are typically used to numb the area around the injection site.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder involving the cartilage covering the surface of bone. It usually affects older people, and may be associated with other conditions. It can cause pain and stiffness in the joints and spine, as well as loss of mobility.
In severe cases, it can lead to artificial joint implants. In milder cases, the symptoms are less severe. In both situations, lifestyle changes can help alleviate the pain. These include weight loss, exercise, pain management, and mechanical aids.
If you are experiencing serious pain, it is best to consult your physician. In addition, an x-ray can provide more information about the condition.
In some cases, the joint is painful even when you are resting. In these situations, a hot water bottle or an ice pack can ease the discomfort.
Salivary gland stones
There are many diseases that can affect the ear, which can lead to ear pain. It is important to get proper treatment, especially when the disease is caused by bacteria. Having a good understanding of how the ear and mouth work can help you to prevent disorders.
Some common symptoms of a blocked salivary gland include swelling, pain, and a fever. If the blockage persists, you may also experience pus and an abscess. You will also have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
If you notice swelling or pain in your ear, you should call your doctor right away. A dental x-ray can help identify the problem. You may need to visit the emergency room if the infection is severe.
Salivary gland stones are calcium deposits that form in the ducts of the salivary glands. They are typically hard and white. They are a common cause of infections of the glands.
Dry socket
If you are experiencing painful symptoms after tooth extraction, you may have a dry socket. It is important to find out what causes this condition and how it can be prevented. A dentist can help you understand the symptoms and offer treatment options.
The dry socket is a pain condition that occurs when a blood clot breaks apart too quickly after a tooth is extracted. This clot serves as a protective barrier for the underlying bone. However, when this clot falls out, the underlying bone is exposed. This translates to intense pain along the nerves.
The dry socket has the same appearance as an empty hole in the jaw. It is filled with food debris, which can aggravate the pain.
X-rays are sometimes needed to rule out infection or other complications. The dentist will clean the area, packing it with a medicated dressing. If this does not relieve the pain, you may need to return for another visit.
Tinnitus
If you have ear pain after dental work, you might be suffering from a condition known as TMJ disorder. This condition is characterized by pain in the jaw, popping or clicking in the ear, and limited movement of the jaw. It can also cause facial discomfort.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) are a common cause of ear pain. TMJ can be caused by trauma to the teeth, arthritis, or other issues. In addition to the ear, TMJ can also cause pain in the face and neck.
TMJ disorders can affect the temporomandibular joint, the joint between the cranium and the skull. The jaw and temporomandibular joint are located near the inner ear. A TMJ disorder may cause swelling in the joint and may cause tinnitus.
A dentist can diagnose a TMJ disorder by performing a thorough oral exam. If there is evidence of a TMJ disorder, a mouth guard can be fitted to minimize further damage to the jaw. This treatment is called oral appliance therapy.
Tooth sharpeners tend to do this at night while they sleep. This is completely involuntary behavior that is mildly related to stress. Ear pain can also be caused by a dental procedure, such as cleaning the root canal or gums. During these procedures, the temporomandibular joint has been stressed because the mouth remained open for a long period of time.
There may be some muscle or ligament strain that starts it. Interestingly, many people with this problem will also experience tinnitus or ringing in the affected ear. We don't really understand why tinnitus is more active during times of stress on the temporomandibular joint; however, because it is a higher brain function, it is possible that ear problems simply direct the brain's attention to this part of the body and tinnitus can occur. The good news is that, after the temporomandibular joint disorder is treated, tinnitus and ear pain will resolve.
Ringing, ringing, pain in the ears, or a feeling that the ear is blocked may be due to muscle strain after opening your mouth during treatment. This can also be due to an infection, a bad bite, or because you have a cold or allergy that is causing your symptoms. Routine dental cleanings and performing the necessary dental work are essential to the longevity of your teeth and your health. If you know you have problems with sensitivity after normal procedures, such as cleanings in your checkups, try some tips to make cleanings less painful.
Very healthy teeth and gums that are cleaned regularly probably won't hurt after cleaning, although it's normal to feel a little sore gums for a day or two. This is most likely during root planing and scraping, a deep cleaning of the teeth performed during treatment of gum disease.
