Types of headaches after dental work
Some people find that they can experience headaches after they have received dental treatment. This page overviews many of the most common types of headaches that could arise after a visit to the dentist, looking at some of the potential causes and how to relieve the pain after dental work, if necessary.
Though headaches after dental work can be quite common, on occasion it could be caused because your dentist has made a mistake or been negligent in your care. If this is the case, and you are injured as a result, you may be eligible to make a claim for dental negligence compensation. If you think this might be the case, get in touch with us for free initial advice.
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Headaches after dental work – more info:
What dental problems can cause headaches?Surprisingly, there is a distinct connection between oral health and headaches but generally these issues should arise prior to visiting your dentist, rather than afterwards. The most common dental issues that can cause headaches or migraines include:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): This tends to occur when the modified ball and socket joint that connects your upper and lower jaw doesn’t function correctly. Severe headaches, a clicking sound, and tender jaw muscles are common TMJ symptoms, and you should visit your dentist as soon as you become aware that there may be an issue.
Teeth grinding: The cause of teeth grinding is different for each person; it can be caused by stress, misaligned teeth or nerve and muscle damage in the face. Symptoms may include grinding sounds whilst sleeping, morning headaches, tight jaw muscles and cracked or damaged teeth. If you become aware of any of these symptoms, visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis.
Cavities or infections: Infection and inflammation can both play a role in headaches. This is especially true for sore teeth that have been left untreated, as new or worsening headaches can often be a sign that the infection has spread. It’s important that you book into see your dentists sooner rather than later, to ensure that the issue doesn’t worsen.
Headache after dental crown
Tension headaches after having a dental crown fitted are not usually serious and can be fixed easily, but if you believe that your dentist was negligent in your care and it has resulted in you being injured, you might be able to make a claim for compensation. Contact us for more details.
You can contact us for a free claim assessment and to discuss your options
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can having dental implants cause headaches?
Dental implants, usually made of titanium, are metal posts which are surgically implanted into the jawbone with a false tooth placed over the top. Titanium itself is highly biocompatible and is used in most surgical implant procedures; so, the dental implant should integrate with your jawbone easily. This means that, as the bone heals it should fuse naturally with the titanium and should not cause headaches.
Because of this, if you find that you are experiencing headaches following a dental implant, you should contact your dentist immediately as it could be a sign of a different issue such as:
- Infection
- Surgical complications: Any damage to the sinus cavity or the surrounding nerves could result in facial or head pain.
- TMJ: This can occur due to a misaligned bite and has been known to cause tension headaches.
If you believe that your dentist has been negligent when fitting a dental implant and you have suffered an injury as a result, it’s possible that you might be able to claim compensation. Contact us for more information.
Should I have a headache after dental cleaning?
Cavities and infections in your mouth have been known to lead to headaches, and regular cleanings and proper treatment can help reduce those risks. So, with this in mind, you shouldn’t suffer from headaches as a direct result of a dental cleaning and a prolonged headache may be a sign of another problem that needs to be treated.
If you’re concerned, get in touch with your dentist straight away.
Can a dental bridge cause headaches?
Though it is rare, there is some evidence to suggest that a dental bridge may be the cause of headaches if it isn’t managed correctly. If you are concerned, it is important that you get a full diagnosis from your dentist as soon as possible.
Can a dental cyst cause headaches?
Like cavities, dental cysts can cause several oral health problems and need to be treated as quickly as possible. Some of the issues dental cysts can cause include:
- Infection, causing pain and swelling
- Replacement of some bony tissue, which can weaken the jaw
- Push against teeth and structures,
- Altering the alignment of the jaw, leading to TMJ
All these issues can cause dental related tension, and therefore lead to headaches. Be sure to seek your dentist’s advice if you believe you might have a dental cyst.
In rare cases, you may develop a dental cyst after a dental procedure. Whilst this doesn’t always mean that your dentist was negligent when they treated you, if they did deliver care that wasn’t up to standard and you have suffered as a result, you might be eligible to make a claim for dental negligence compensation. Contact us to find out more.
Can dental anaesthesia cause headaches?
Temporary adverse effects of dental anaesthesia that affect some people can include blurred vision, dizziness, headaches and vomiting. It is important to stay hydrated after a dental anaesthetic, and if the symptoms persist for over 24 hours, contact your dentist for further investigation.
Can dental x-rays cause headaches?
Whilst large doses of radiation can cause harmful effects, radiation doses from diagnostic medical exams, like dental x-rays, should not cause headaches or make you sick. If your headache persists, it could be a sign that another issue is at play. Contact your dentist to seek advice.
Whilst experiencing headaches after dental work isn’t always a sign that something has gone wrong, in some rare cases your dentist might have made a mistake or been negligent in their care, resulting in you being injured or requiring further treatment. If you believe that you have suffered as a direct result of your dentist’s mistake or negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. We offer a free consultation so that you can find out if you can make a claim. Get in touch today for more information.
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