Dental Pain Differential Diagnosis

The following is a differential diagnosis for dental pain, categorized for clarity and emphasis on critical conditions.

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Dental Caries: This is the most common cause of dental pain, resulting from the bacterial breakdown of tooth enamel and dentin, leading to cavities.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Pulpitis: Inflammation of the dental pulp, which can be reversible or irreversible, often caused by deep caries, trauma, or extensive restorative work.
  • Periodontal Disease: Infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, which can cause pain, especially if there is an acute exacerbation or abscess formation.
  • Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, which can cause discomfort and pain, particularly during brushing or eating.
  • Dental Abscess: A localized collection of pus in the tissues surrounding the teeth, which can cause severe pain and swelling.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which can cause intense, shock-like or stabbing pain in parts of the face, including the teeth.
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Conditions affecting the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, which can cause pain in the jaw, face, and teeth, as well as clicking or locking of the jaw.
  • Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, which can cause referred pain to the upper teeth due to the proximity of the sinuses to the roots of these teeth.
  • Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone, which can occur in the jaw and cause severe pain, swelling, and other systemic symptoms.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Eruption Cysts: Soft tissue cysts that form over erupting teeth, which can cause pain and swelling.
  • Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: A genetic disorder affecting tooth development, leading to discolored teeth that may be sensitive or painful.
  • Eagle Syndrome: A condition characterized by an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, which can cause facial and dental pain.
  • Multiple Myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can cause bone pain, including in the jaw, and lead to dental problems due to bone destruction.

Each of these diagnoses has distinct characteristics and requires specific management strategies. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications.