Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if face pain occurs with:
New facial drooping, arm weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking
Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain with a red eye
Rapidly increasing swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
A major injury to the face, eye, or jaw
A sudden, extremely severe headache
Any vision change with these symptoms is an emergency.
And for anyone, someone who:
has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical or dental care for facial swelling with fever, swelling around an eye, difficulty opening your mouth, or severe dental pain with signs of infection.
A painful blistering rash on the forehead, eyelid, or nose also needs prompt assessment because shingles can affect the eye.
If you are over 50, get same-day medical advice for new temple or scalp pain with pain while chewing.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if pain lasts more than several days, keeps returning, worsens, or affects eating, sleeping, or daily activities.
Persistent numbness, unexplained weight loss, or a lump also needs assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Face pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.