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Differential Diagnosis for Right Side Jaw Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: This is often the most common cause of jaw pain, especially if the pain is localized to the jaw area, worsens with jaw movement, and is associated with clicking or locking of the jaw. TMJ disorders can be due to various factors including teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or misalignment of the teeth.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Dental Problems: Issues such as tooth decay, abscesses, or gum disease can cause pain that radiates to the jaw. The pain is usually localized to a specific tooth or area and may be exacerbated by hot or cold temperatures, or by chewing.
  • Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain in the face, including the jaw area, especially if the maxillary sinuses are involved. This pain is often accompanied by nasal congestion, headache, and facial pressure.
  • Tension Headache: Tension headaches can cause pain on one side of the head, including the jaw area, due to muscle tension. The pain is typically described as a band or a squeezing sensation around the forehead, back of the neck, or both.
  • Ear Infection: Middle ear infections can cause referred pain to the jaw due to the shared nerve pathways. Symptoms may include ear pain, fever, and hearing loss.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Although rare, jaw pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially in women. The pain is often described as a squeezing or pressure sensation and may radiate to the arm, neck, or back.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: A condition characterized by sudden, severe, shock-like pain around the eyes, lips, or nose, due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve. Jaw pain can be a part of the presentation.
  • Giant Cell Arteritis: An inflammation of the blood vessels, particularly those in the head, which can cause jaw claudication (pain in the jaw when chewing) among other symptoms like headache and visual disturbances.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A condition characterized by the death of jawbone tissue, often associated with long-term use of bisphosphonates or other medications. It can cause severe jaw pain and exposed bone in the jaw.
  • Parotid Gland Disorders: Conditions affecting the parotid gland, such as parotitis (inflammation of the gland), can cause pain in the jaw area.
  • Neoplastic Conditions: Tumors of the jaw, salivary glands, or surrounding tissues can cause jaw pain, though these are less common causes.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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