Pain Under One Side of Jaw: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Experiencing pain under one side of your jaw can be concerning and discomforting. While this pain can stem from various causes, understanding the potential reasons and seeking appropriate treatment is crucial for relief and overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore the possible causes of unilateral jaw pain, common symptoms, and effective treatments. If you’re experiencing this issue, consider consulting Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a renowned TMJ specialist, for expert advice and personalized care.
Possible Causes of Jaw Pain on One Side
1. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ Disorder)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to move your jaw. TMJ disorder is a common cause of pain under one side of the jaw and can result from various factors such as injury, arthritis, or stress-induced teeth grinding. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Limited jaw movement
2. Dental Issues
Dental problems like cavities, gum disease, or abscesses can lead to jaw pain. An infected tooth or inflamed gums can radiate pain to the jaw area, causing discomfort on one side. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Toothache
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
3. Sinus Infections
Sinus infections can cause referred pain to the jaw, particularly the upper jaw. When the sinuses become inflamed or infected, pressure can build up, leading to pain that feels like it’s coming from the jaw. Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pressure
- Headache
- Fever
4. Injuries and Trauma
Injuries to the face or jaw, such as fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage, can cause unilateral jaw pain. Trauma from accidents, sports injuries, or even dental procedures can lead to prolonged discomfort and require medical attention.
5. Nerve Issues
Certain neurological conditions or nerve compression can cause jaw pain. Trigeminal neuralgia, for example, is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, leading to severe, shooting pain in the jaw and face.
Symptoms Associated with Jaw Pain
In addition to the specific symptoms related to each cause, general symptoms associated with jaw pain may include:
- Swelling or inflammation
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches or earaches
- Pain that worsens with chewing or speaking
- Muscle stiffness or spasms in the jaw
Diagnosing the Cause of Jaw Pain
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. If you experience persistent jaw pain, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional, such as Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, who specializes in TMJ treatment. A thorough evaluation may include:
- Medical History: Discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries or dental work.
- Physical Examination: Examining the jaw, face, and neck for signs of inflammation, tenderness, or misalignment.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the jaw structure and identify any abnormalities.
- Dental Examination: Checking for dental issues like cavities, gum disease, or abscesses.
Effective Treatments for Jaw Pain
The treatment approach for jaw pain depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatment options:
1. TMJ Treatment
For TMJ disorder, treatment may include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants to alleviate symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve mobility.
- Splints or Mouthguards: Custom-made devices to prevent teeth grinding and reduce strain on the TMJ.
- Stress Management: Techniques like relaxation exercises or counseling to manage stress and reduce jaw tension.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to repair or replace the joint.
2. Dental Treatments
If dental issues are causing the pain, treatments may involve:
- Dental Fillings or Root Canals: To treat cavities or infections.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Professional cleaning, scaling, and root planing to address gum inflammation.
- Tooth Extraction: In cases of severe infection or damage.
3. Treating Sinus Infections
For sinus-related jaw pain, treatments may include:
- Antibiotics: If the infection is bacterial.
- Decongestants or Nasal Sprays: To reduce inflammation and clear the sinuses.
- Rest and Hydration: To support the body’s natural healing process.
4. Managing Nerve Pain
For nerve-related jaw pain, treatment options may include:
- Medications: Anticonvulsants or antidepressants to manage nerve pain.
- Nerve Blocks: Injections to numb the affected nerve and provide relief.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgical procedures to relieve nerve compression.
Preventing Jaw Pain
While not all causes of jaw pain can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce the risk:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to prevent dental issues.
- Practice Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and jaw tension.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Foods: Limit the consumption of hard or chewy foods that can strain the jaw.
- Use Proper Protective Gear: Wearing mouthguards during sports or physical activities to prevent injuries.
- Address Medical Conditions: Managing chronic conditions like arthritis or sinus infections promptly.
Seeking Professional Help
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe pain under one side of your jaw, it’s essential to seek professional help. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a leading TMJ specialist, offers comprehensive TMJ treatment and can help diagnose and manage the underlying cause of your jaw pain. With a personalized approach and advanced techniques, Dr. Bakhtiari can provide relief and improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
Pain under one side of the jaw can be caused by various factors, from TMJ disorders and dental issues to sinus infections and nerve conditions. Understanding the potential causes and seeking appropriate treatment is crucial for relief and overall well-being. If you are experiencing jaw pain, consult a healthcare professional like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari for expert evaluation and personalized care. Taking proactive steps to address the pain can help you regain comfort and enjoy a better quality of life.
About Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).
What are treatment options offered by Dr. Nojan?
Dr. Nojan offers the best and advanced treatment options available for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and headaches. Treatments offered by Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari are personalized to you when looking to know more about inflammation of the jaw, and may include:
- Oral appliance therapy (custom mouthguards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections
- Trigger point injections for muscle pain
- Nerve blocks
- Steroid injections for TMJ joint and tendons
- Botox for TMJ, nerve pain, jaw pain and headaches
- Therapeutic ointments and medication for oral, facial and TMJ pain
Overview of Treatments for TMJ, Facial Pain and Oral Pain
Dr. Nojan offers the most advanced and evidence-based treatment options for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and related headaches.
“Don’t leave TMJ and orofacial pain treatments to guesswork.”
Treatments will always be personalized to you, your condition and your treatment approach preferences. We understand that some patients do not like taking medications, while others are afraid of needles, or have life-styles that prevent them from wearing a bite guard. Learn more about what happens at your first visit with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP. For that reasons, we offer the full range of treatment options and learning about inflammation of the jaw while also including:
- Oral appliance therapy(comfortable and custom bite guards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections(such as trigger point muscle injections, nerve blocks, and botox®), PRP
- Steroid injections jaw joint (TMJ) and associated tendons
- Compounded Topical Pain Medications and mouth rinses
- Jaw stretching exercises and physical therapy modalities
TMJ Treatment options vary depending on the individual suffering from TMJ and the specifics of their condition. Since TMJ/TMD can affect the musculature, tendons, bones and joint of the jaw, a thorough examination and diagnosis is paramount prior to initiating any treatment. Treatments include therapeutic injections of muscles and the joints, custom fabricated orthotics (also called splints, mouth guards, nightguards or occlusal guards), medications, creams, botox©, jaw stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
TMJ therapies should never include grinding down of otherwise healthy teeth. It is ill-advised to suggest to a patient that grinding of their otherwise healthy natural teeth is related to the TMJ pain they are perceiving. This treatment philosophy of “correcting the bite”, by either grinding down teeth (occlusal adjustments), restoring teeth with crowns, or moving teeth with braces or invisalign©, has been debunked in the dental and scientific literature.
What to expect at your first visit to our office
At your first visit to our office, Dr. Bakhtiari and his team will thoroughly examine your jaw, face, TMJ, bite and mouth. He will determine the source and cause of your discomfort, and devise a customized treatment solution that will work for you to help with inflammation of the jaw.
The initial consultation includes:
- Review of your medical history
- Detailed evaluation of your pain, discomfort and/or other symptoms
- Cranial nerve screening
- Muscle palpation of the muscles of your jaw, head and neck
- TMJ evaluation: evaluating the health of your jaw joints including their range of motion, tenderness and any clicking/popping sounds
- Additional imaging if necessary: X-rays, panoramic, CT scans, MRIs
- Additional testing as needed: diagnostic topical anesthetics, muscle and nerve blocks, blood tests