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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Recurring Throbbing And Numbness In One Side Of Face?

A few days ago I had what I thought was a toothache. I had a crown put in by my dentist a few months ago, so I assumed I was having problems with that. The pain became so bad, radiating all the way up the right side of my face from my chin to my temple. My ear was throbbing terribly also. I tried Aleve and a heating pad to the face, but it only helped temporarily. I made an emergency trip to the dentist, and he found no problems around the crown, but suggested I had a bad sinus infection. He prescribed a Zpak antibiotic, and I've taken 3 days of the pills, with 2 left. I was feeling better this morning, but now the throbbing pain is returning, and the same side of my face is now numb around my bottom lip and chin. I've also noticed slight weakness in my fingers and hand on the right side.
Tue, 9 Feb 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain in case if you have pain on right side of face that is radiating to the entire side of face as well as causing numbness of bottom lip and chin seems to be must probably be due to either tooth infection or can be due to any nerve related problem..
If it would be due to sinus infection the pain is mostly over the cheek prominence and under the eye as well as can cause some numbness too but it will not commonly radiate to chin and lower lip..
I would suggest you to consult an Oral Physician an get evaluated and a complete evaluation of your teeth to look for infection in any other teeth that might be causing the symptoms will be done..
In case if there is not dental problem associated you will be referred to Otolaryngologist and he can advise you MRI or PNS View x ray of the sinuses to confirm the cause and treatment can be planned accordingly..
In caseof tooth infection root canal treatment or extraction followed by antibiotics and painkillers will help..
In case of sinus infection antibiotics,anti-inflammatory painkillers, decongestants, along with steam inhalations,decongestant nasal sprays and using a humidifier in your room can help..
As of now continue taking the medications as advised to you by your dentist and if pain is severe higher painkillers like Tramadol or Ketorolac can help..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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What Causes Recurring Throbbing And Numbness In One Side Of Face?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain in case if you have pain on right side of face that is radiating to the entire side of face as well as causing numbness of bottom lip and chin seems to be must probably be due to either tooth infection or can be due to any nerve related problem.. If it would be due to sinus infection the pain is mostly over the cheek prominence and under the eye as well as can cause some numbness too but it will not commonly radiate to chin and lower lip.. I would suggest you to consult an Oral Physician an get evaluated and a complete evaluation of your teeth to look for infection in any other teeth that might be causing the symptoms will be done.. In case if there is not dental problem associated you will be referred to Otolaryngologist and he can advise you MRI or PNS View x ray of the sinuses to confirm the cause and treatment can be planned accordingly.. In caseof tooth infection root canal treatment or extraction followed by antibiotics and painkillers will help.. In case of sinus infection antibiotics,anti-inflammatory painkillers, decongestants, along with steam inhalations,decongestant nasal sprays and using a humidifier in your room can help.. As of now continue taking the medications as advised to you by your dentist and if pain is severe higher painkillers like Tramadol or Ketorolac can help.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.