Treat the Cause, Not the Symptoms
Many patients who experience chronic jaw pain try to treat themselves with over-the-counter painkillers or prescription narcotics intended for the use of other family members. To properly treat the pain, you need a diagnosis; painkillers address the symptoms and not the cause. This can create other problems for the patient that complicate diagnosis. There are serious side effects from the overuse of painkillers: Taking excessive amounts of over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can cause kidney necrosis and liver failure, respectively. Abuse of prescription narcotics can lead to addiction.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, it is very important for your dentist or oral surgeon to conduct a thorough exam. This often includes dental X-rays, CAT scans and sometimes blood work. A dental origin of the pain should be ruled out before blood work is performed. Call us on 0121 770 3424
