Differential Diagnosis for Severe Pain and Swelling in the Left Upper Jaw
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Pulpitis or Pulpal Necrosis: This condition is likely due to the recent dental filling, which may have caused irritation or infection of the pulp tissue, leading to severe pain and swelling.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dental Abscess: A bacterial infection that can occur after a dental procedure, causing pain, swelling, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- Periapical Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that can form at the tip of a tooth root, often as a result of a dental infection, which can cause pain and swelling in the jaw.
- Gingivitis or Periodontitis: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the tissues surrounding the teeth (periodontitis), which can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding in the affected area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if a dental infection spreads to the cavernous sinus, a group of veins located behind the eye.
- Ludwig's Angina: A severe infection of the tissues in the neck, which can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty breathing, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can occur after a dental procedure, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and potentially lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Neoplastic Lesions: Abnormal growths or tumors in the jaw, which can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms, but are relatively rare compared to other diagnoses.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: A condition that affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, which can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the jaw, but is less likely to be related to a recent dental filling.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which can cause severe pain in the face, including the jaw, but is relatively rare and often has a different presentation.