Updated: 20 August 2025
Jaw pain is a symptom that people with a variety of dental and medical conditions may experience. It can follow a recent dental implant, tooth extraction or gum infection, but it may also be referred pain from the sinuses, ear or even the heart. While most cases are manageable with simple measures, persistent or severe pain deserves prompt assessment to rule out serious disease.
Quick summary — Common dental and medical causes include infection, impacted wisdom teeth, post-extraction complications, migraine or cluster headaches, trigeminal nerve disorders, and (less commonly) oral cancer or a cardiac event. This guide explains the seven likely causes, when to worry, and how dentists and doctors typically investigate and treat jaw pain.
7 Possible Causes of Jaw Pain
1) Infection (Sinus or Ear)
Excessive jaw pain frequently indicates infection in nearby structures. Two common culprits are:
- Sinus infection (sinusitis): The maxillary sinuses sit just above the upper jaw. When the sinuses fill with fluid and become infected, pressure can radiate into the cheek and jaw. Congestion, thick nasal discharge and facial pressure are typical. See NHS overview: Sinusitis.
- Ear infection (otitis media): Pain from the middle ear can “refer” along the jaw and face. Hearing changes or a blocked ear sensation may accompany the pain. NHS overview: Ear infections.
Treatment approach: A dental–medical history and examination help distinguish sinus/ear causes from dental ones. Management may include nasal saline/steam, analgesics and, where appropriate, antibiotics. If dental infection is suspected, swift dental evaluation is recommended.
2) Wisdom Tooth Pain (Impaction)
Wisdom teeth are the final and most commonly problematic molars to erupt. Many people lack sufficient jaw space; partially erupted or impacted teeth can cause localised jaw pain, tenderness when opening, and pressure on adjacent teeth. Food trapping around a partially erupted wisdom tooth can lead to infection (pericoronitis) with swelling and a bad taste.
Treatment approach: Rinsing (warm salt water or antiseptic mouthwash), local cleaning under the gum hood, and analgesics often help acutely. Recurrent episodes, deep impaction or damage to adjacent teeth may warrant extraction. After removal, follow post-op instructions meticulously to reduce complications such as dry socket (see cause #3).
3) Tooth Extraction After-Effects
It is common to ask: “How long should jaw pain last after a tooth extraction?” Typically, discomfort peaks in 24–72 hours and steadily improves. Prolonged or worsening pain suggests a complication. Two frequent issues are:
- Dry socket (alveolar osteitis): After extraction, a protective blood clot should form over the bone. If the clot dissolves or fails to form, the bone and nerve endings are exposed, causing significant pain that can radiate along the jaw. Smoking, vigorous rinsing and certain medications increase risk.
- Infection: Bacteria can colonise the socket if debris remains or hygiene is poor, leading to throbbing pain, swelling and sometimes fever.
Treatment approach: Your dentist will gently irrigate the socket, place a soothing dressing if indicated, and advise analgesics and hygiene measures. Call sooner if you notice foul odour, spreading swelling, or fever. For complex cases (e.g., failed root canal or non-restorable teeth), replacing the lost tooth with a dental implant can restore function once healing is complete.
When Jaw Pain Is Dental vs Medical
Dental causes tend to produce local tenderness, sensitivity to biting, or pain from a specific tooth or gum area. Medical causes (sinus/ear, headache, cardiac) often produce diffuse, radiating discomfort. A careful history — recent dental work, colds, grinding/clenching, trauma, or systemic symptoms — guides the first step. If in doubt, start with a dentist; they can quickly triage dental vs non-dental sources and refer appropriately.
Next: causes 4–7 (headache disorders, nerve pain, cancer, heart attack), red-flag symptoms to act on, and when to seek urgent care.
4) Headache Disorders (Cluster & Migraine)
Cluster headaches are among the most painful primary headaches and can radiate to the jaw, eye and temple on one side. Migraine can also trigger jaw and facial pain, often with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. These are neurological conditions rather than dental disease — but dental check-ups remain useful to rule out coincidental tooth problems that can “trigger” attacks.
Treatment approach: Acute treatments (e.g., triptans for migraine), preventive strategies, and trigger control are typical. A GP or neurologist will tailor therapy. Hydration, sleep regularity and stress management help many sufferers.
5) Nerve Pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia / Neuropathy)
The trigeminal nerve supplies sensation to the face, teeth and jaws. Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pains, often triggered by light touch, shaving, or brushing. It is usually unilateral and may be due to vascular contact with the nerve. Trigeminal neuropathy can result from metabolic conditions such as diabetes and may present with numbness or altered sensation with discomfort in the jaw and mouth.
Treatment approach: Medicines such as carbamazepine are first-line for neuralgia; neuropathy management targets the underlying cause (e.g., diabetes control). A dentist helps exclude dental triggers; a neurologist confirms the diagnosis and guides therapy.
6) Oral Cancer (Less Common, Important to Exclude)
Persistent jaw or ear pain can, rarely, be a sign of oral cancer, particularly when accompanied by non-healing mouth ulcers, unexplained lumps, loose teeth without gum disease, or difficulty swallowing. Early detection significantly improves outcomes. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol excess and HPV.
Treatment approach: Any suspicious lesion persisting beyond two weeks warrants urgent assessment. Your dentist can perform a full oral cancer screening and arrange rapid referral. NHS overview: Mouth cancer.
7) Heart Attack (Emergency)
Although uncommon, jaw pain can be a heart attack symptom, especially when accompanied by chest heaviness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or dizziness. Pain often radiates from the chest to the neck, jaw or arm (classically the left side, but not always).
Action: Treat this as a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately if jaw pain occurs with chest discomfort, breathlessness or collapse. NHS guidance: Heart attack.
Red-Flag Symptoms: Seek Urgent Care
- Severe, worsening pain with fever, facial swelling or trismus (difficulty opening)
- Spreading redness, difficulty swallowing, or drooling
- Jaw pain with chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating, or faintness
- Non-healing mouth sores or unexplained lumps lasting > 2 weeks
How Dentists Diagnose Jaw Pain
A dentist will take a detailed history and examine teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints. Common tests include:
- Periapical X-rays or panoramic OPG to detect hidden decay, abscesses or impacted teeth
- Percussion and vitality testing to identify inflamed or necrotic pulps
- Periodontal evaluation for gum infections affecting the jaw
- Referral to GP/ENT/neurology for suspected sinus, ear or neural causes
Self-Care While You Await Assessment
- Alternate cold and warm compresses for swelling vs muscle ache
- Soft diet; avoid chewing on the painful side
- Over-the-counter analgesics (as suitable for you); avoid aspirin in active bleeding
- Warm salt-water rinses if food traps around wisdom teeth
- Meticulous oral hygiene; interdental cleaning to reduce plaque
For tailored dental care or a second opinion, contact our team: Smile Center Turkey – Contact.
Dental Treatment Pathways by Cause
- Dental infection / abscess: Drainage and root canal treatment, or extraction where prognosis is poor. Antibiotics where indicated.
- Impacted wisdom tooth: Local cleaning for pericoronitis; recurrent or severe cases → extraction with careful post-op care to prevent dry socket.
- Dry socket after extraction: Socket irrigation, soothing dressings, analgesia; review healing until pain resolves.
- Post-implant soreness: Usually mild and short-lived; persistent pain warrants review to check occlusion, healing or infection.
- Headache disorders / neuralgia: GP/neurologist management; dentist rules out dental triggers and offers bite assessment, splints if bruxism present.
- Oral cancer suspicion: Urgent two-week referral pathway; do not delay.
- Cardiac symptoms: Emergency services immediately.
Rebuilding Function and Aesthetics
Once the cause is controlled, restorative and cosmetic dentistry can return comfort and confidence:
- Tooth-coloured fillings / onlays for conservative restorations
- Zirconia crowns to reinforce heavily restored or root-canal-treated teeth
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth with natural function
- Laminate veneers and Hollywood Smile for harmonised aesthetics
Prevention: Protect Your Jaw and Teeth
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily
- Limit sugary and acidic drinks; sip water frequently
- Wear a night guard if you grind/clench
- Stop smoking and moderate alcohol use
- Routine check-ups (6–12 months) and hygienist visits
FAQs: Jaw Pain
Does jaw pain after a dental implant mean something is wrong?
Mild soreness in the first week is expected. Worsening pain, swelling, or fever requires review. Contact Smile Center Turkey if concerned.
How long should jaw pain last after extraction?
Typically 2–3 days of peak discomfort, then improvement. Persistent or worsening pain may indicate dry socket or infection — call your dentist.
Can jaw pain be serious?
Yes. Seek urgent help for jaw pain with chest pressure, breathlessness, fever, spreading swelling, or if you notice non-healing mouth ulcers or lumps.
Who should I see first — dentist or GP?
Start with a dentist if you suspect dental origin (toothache, hot/cold sensitivity, recent extraction). If you have systemic or cardiac symptoms, call emergency services.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace a face-to-face clinical assessment.
