Differential Diagnosis for Tooth Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dental Caries: This is the most common cause of tooth pain, resulting from the bacterial breakdown of tooth enamel, leading to cavities. The pain can range from mild to severe and is often triggered by hot or cold foods and drinks.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pulpitis: Inflammation of the dental pulp, which can be reversible or irreversible, causing pain that can be sharp, dull, or throbbing. It is often a result of deep caries, trauma, or extensive dental procedures.
- Gingivitis or Periodontitis: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the supporting structures of the teeth (periodontitis), which can cause pain, especially when eating or brushing teeth.
- Tooth Fracture: A crack or break in the tooth, which can expose the pulp and cause pain, especially when chewing or exposed to temperature changes.
- Dental Abscess: A collection of pus in the tissues surrounding a tooth, often resulting from a bacterial infection, causing severe, throbbing pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. If missed, it can lead to significant morbidity due to the intense pain it causes.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: While not directly related to tooth structure, TMJ disorders can cause referred pain to the teeth and face, and missing this diagnosis could lead to inappropriate dental interventions.
- Sinusitis: Infection or inflammation of the sinuses can cause referred pain to the upper teeth, and missing this diagnosis could lead to untreated infection.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eagle Syndrome: A rare condition where an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament causes pain in the face and throat, which can be mistaken for tooth pain.
- Sickle Cell Crisis: In patients with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause severe pain, including pain that might be mistaken for tooth pain due to the involvement of the jaw bones.
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A rare condition often associated with bisphosphonate use, characterized by the death of jawbone tissue, leading to pain and exposed bone in the jaw.