Cheekbone pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including sinusitis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, dental problems, muscle spasms, or nerve compression. The pain may occur while chewing, using facial muscles, or even at rest. Diagnosis may require physical examination, X-ray, CT/MRI imaging, and specialist evaluation. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, muscle relaxants, dental interventions, night guards, physical therapy, or surgical procedures. For persistent or severe pain, a dentist, ENT specialist, neurologist, or oral surgeon should be consulted.
What Is Cheekbone Pain?
Cheekbone pain is discomfort, tenderness, or throbbing pain felt in the area of the zygomatic bone, located on the side of the face between the eye and the ear. The pain is usually unilateral but can also occur on both sides. Such pain is often not directly bone-related; rather, it arises from surrounding tissues, muscles, nerves, sinus cavities, or the jaw joint.
Causes of Cheekbone Pain
Cheekbone pain may result from various anatomical structures in the facial region being affected. One of the most common causes is sinus infection; inflammation of the maxillary sinuses can trigger pain around the cheekbone. Additionally, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, facial muscle spasms, trauma, and forceful chewing can also cause pain in this area. Dental issues such as abscesses in the upper molars or impacted teeth can lead to referred pain. Nerve-related conditions like trigeminal neuralgia may cause throbbing or electric shock-like pain in the cheek. In some cases, eye or ear problems may also cause pain near the cheekbone.
List: Causes of Cheekbone Pain
- Maxillary sinusitis
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Dental abscess
- Impacted tooth
- Facial muscle spasm
- Jaw trauma
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Facial nerve inflammation
- Eye-related conditions
- Ear infections
- Forceful chewing habits
- Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching)
- Complications after dental treatments
- Migraine or cluster headaches
How Is Cheekbone Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosing cheekbone pain requires a multidisciplinary evaluation since the pain may originate from different sources. The first step is taking a detailed medical history. Then, physical examination helps assess the location of pain and related structures. The condition of the teeth, sinuses, muscles, and nerves is usually clarified with imaging techniques. A panoramic dental X-ray is used to reveal jaw- and tooth-related problems, while CT or MRI provides a more detailed view of the sinuses and soft tissues. TMJ disorders are assessed by evaluating jaw movements, and if neuropathic pain is suspected, neurological examination and nerve conduction tests may be necessary. Depending on the case, patients may be referred to a dentist, ENT specialist, neurologist, or oral surgeon.
List: Diagnostic Methods for Cheekbone Pain
- Patient history
- Physical examination
- Panoramic dental X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sinus X-ray
- Neurological examination
- Nerve conduction tests
- TMJ evaluation
- Dentist consultation
- ENT specialist consultation
- Neurologist evaluation
Which Specialist to See for Cheekbone Pain?
The specialist to consult depends on the underlying cause of the pain. General guidance is as follows:
| Symptoms / Suspicion | Specialist |
| Tooth pain, referred pain from teeth | Dentist / Endodontist |
| Pain with jaw movement, jaw locking | Oral Surgeon / TMJ Specialist |
| Sinus pressure, nasal congestion, headache | ENT Specialist |
| Electric shock-like facial pain | Neurologist |
| Pain and swelling after trauma | Emergency / Plastic Surgery / Radiology |
How Is Cheekbone Pain Treated?
Treatment of cheekbone pain depends on identifying the correct underlying cause. If caused by sinusitis, antibiotics, nasal decongestant sprays, and steam therapy are used. If dental problems are the cause, treatment may involve filling, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction. For TMJ disorders, a night guard, jaw exercises, muscle relaxants, and joint injections may be prescribed. For muscle-related pain, hot-cold compresses, manual therapy, or physical therapy are recommended. In cases of nerve-related causes such as trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain medications and sometimes surgery are required. In certain cases of tumors, structural abnormalities, or severe infections, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Treatment is usually determined collaboratively by a dentist, ENT specialist, neurologist, or oral surgeon.
List: Treatment Methods for Cheekbone Pain
- Antibiotic therapy
- Decongestant and sinus sprays
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extraction
- Use of a night guard
- Muscle relaxant medications
- Painkillers (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy and hot-cold compress
- TMJ exercises
- Neuropathic pain medications
- Nerve block injections
- Intra-articular injections
- Surgical intervention (sinus, TMJ, tumor, etc.)
- Psychological support and stress management
How to Prevent Cheekbone Pain?
To prevent recurrence of pain and maintain a healthy facial structure, the following lifestyle and hygiene practices are recommended:
- Regular dental check-ups: Hidden dental issues can be detected early.
- Maintaining oral hygiene: Critical for gum and sinus health.
- Using a night guard: If bruxism (teeth grinding) is present.
- Jaw exercises and proper posture: Important for TMJ health.
- Protecting sinuses in cold weather: Helps prevent sinus-related pain.
- Stress management: Stress is a major trigger for muscle tension and pain.
- Avoiding facial trauma: Use protective gear during sports.
- Balanced diet and proper hydration: Important for muscle and bone health.
- Limiting screen time: Prevents strain on neck and facial muscles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheekbone Pain
1. Can cheekbone pain be related to braces?
Yes, especially during orthodontic treatment, applied forces can temporarily cause pain around the cheekbone in some patients.
2. Can cheekbone pain cause eye pain?
Yes. If the maxillary sinuses or surrounding nerves are affected, the pain may radiate to the eye region.
3. Can one-sided cheekbone pain indicate a serious condition?
Yes. Severe, throbbing, or electric shock-like pain may indicate serious nerve disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia.
4. Is cheekbone pain more common in women?
TMJ and muscle-related pain can be more frequent in women due to hormonal factors, but the causes of pain are not gender-specific.
5. What does it mean if cheekbone pain worsens while eating?
This usually points to TMJ disorders, muscle spasms, or dental problems.
6. Can cheekbone pain be psychological?
Stress and anxiety can cause tension in the jaw muscles, leading to pain around the cheekbone. Psychosomatic pain is common in this region.
7. What home remedies can help with cheekbone pain?
For temporary relief, hot-cold compresses, soft foods, stress management, and jaw rest may help. However, these are not permanent solutions.
