Whiplash is one of the most common consequences of car accidents today. The pressure on the neck can result in muscle pain, pinched nerves, and even paralysis. Under certain circumstances, whiplash can even lead to problems with one’s oral health.
If you notice that you’re experiencing unusual pain in your jaw several days after a car accident, you may be contending with dental problems facilitated by whiplash. You can work with dentists and oral surgeons to address any damage done to you as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Whiplash Symptoms and Your Oral Health
Car accident victims can find themselves contending with whiplash when the force of their accident abruptly disrupts their posture. Whiplash can then result in neck pain, difficulty turning the head, and, in its most severe cases, paralysis.
Should you find yourself contending with nerve damage caused by whiplash, you may find that the pain of that shift results in pressure or discomfort in your jaw. Similarly, the pain associated with whiplash may disguise pain in your jaw caused by the blunt force of an airbag or another vehicle.
In this way, the whiplash from a car accident can result in problems with your oral health. The longer you wait to have these conditions treated, the more likely it is that your condition will worsen.
Whiplash, Nerve Damage, and Oral Surgery
Should you find yourself contending with nerve damage that stretches up into your jaw, an oral surgeon can walk you through the various treatments that may improve your condition. Nerve relocation, for example, may require oral surgeons to drill into your jaw, but moving your nerves may relieve your pain.
Similarly, you may benefit from a dental graft if the whiplash you endured disrupted your ability to chew. The same treatment can change the appearance of your jaw if your whiplash altered your profile.
You can discuss with an oral surgeon whether these surgeries constitute aesthetic changes or essential changes. As such, you can determine to what degree your insurance provider may cover your related expenses.
Distinguishing Between Whiplash and Other Injuries
If you’ve never experienced whiplash before, it can be difficult to distinguish between dental problems caused by whiplash and the standard symptoms of the condition. With that in mind, the symptoms that commonly come along with whiplash include:
- Stiffness
- Blurry vision
- Jaw pain
- Vertigo
- The ringing of the ears
- Tingling in the hands and arms
- Temporary numbness
Whether you think you’re contending with dental problems caused by whiplash or not, it is in your best interest to follow the advice of emergency responders in the wake of a car accident. You should also schedule an appointment with your regular dentist even if you don’t think there is something amiss with your teeth or jaw.
The sooner you can have a professional examine your overall well-being, the sooner you can return to your daily responsibilities. Alternatively, the rapid attention of medical professionals can ensure that you have the time to get the treatments you need that will preserve the overall health of your jaw in the long term.
Schedule a Dental Consultation to Address Your Whiplash Jaw Pain Today
If you’ve recently been in a car accident and find yourself contending with dental trouble on top of whiplash, our team at Union City Oral Surgery Group can help. You can reach out to meet with dentists and oral surgeons who can discuss your means of recovery.
Schedule a consultation with our representatives today by calling our office. We are available at (201) 601-9262. You can also contact us online.
