Differential Diagnosis for Right Sided Cheek/Jaw Swelling
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Bruxism-related TMJ swelling: The patient's history of grinding his teeth at night for years and the swelling being around the TMJ region makes this a likely cause. The absence of pain and the bilateral normal pain in the TMJ's suggests that the swelling could be related to the chronic grinding.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dental abscess or infection: Although the patient denies tooth pain, a dental abscess or infection could cause swelling in the cheek and jaw area without significant pain, especially if it's in the early stages.
- Salivary gland obstruction or infection: The swelling around the TMJ region could be related to a salivary gland issue, such as a blocked salivary gland or an infection.
- Sinusitis: Sinus infections can cause swelling and pressure in the face, including the cheek and jaw area, although the patient denies any fever or ear/throat pain.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Temporal arteritis: Although rare, temporal arteritis is a serious condition that can cause jaw claudication and swelling, and it's essential to consider it in the differential diagnosis, especially in older adults.
- Parotid gland tumor: A tumor in the parotid gland could cause swelling in the cheek and jaw area, and it's crucial to rule out this possibility.
- Angioedema: A rare but life-threatening condition that can cause rapid swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, which could be mistaken for TMJ swelling.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause salivary gland swelling and inflammation, although it's less likely given the patient's lack of other symptoms.
- Actinomycosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause swelling and abscesses in the face and neck, including the jaw area.
- Osteomyelitis: A rare bone infection that could cause swelling and pain in the jaw, although the patient denies any significant pain.