Why Do I Have Pain In My Jaw For Over 6 Months?

Posted on Wed, 27 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 Answered on

Thu, 3 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctor , i have pain in my jaw 6 month ago , and doctor told me that is maybe form gaps between teeth . but getting worth . and my question to you . which kind of test , preferably MRI, could role out any problem in the low jaw , cheek bone , muscles and glands.thanks in advance and best rgeards
Ahmed

Answered by Dr. Naveen (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Which part of the jaw is aching?

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Before proceeding further, I would like to understand from you as which part of the jaw is hurting you the most. Different parts of the jaw are associated with different conditions.

In order to suggest you the best possible investigation, I would like to understand few additional things:
1. Which part of the jaw is aching?
2. Since how long have you been suffering from this?
3. When does it hurt you the most, any specific time or instance?
4. Any aggravating or relieving factors?

Awaiting for your response

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Naveen (17 hours later)

Dear doctor, thanks a lot for your answer. I attached a picture for you for better understanding.

1-the pain almost 6 month not permanent but nowadays is almost all the day and there is pain in the lat three teeth up and down some like nerve feeling especially with cold some times.

2- the right jaw i fell pain and little voice when eat something solid need to press with Jaw popping and also felling a little pain now in opening the jaw expanding near the the last teeth.
I hope you can provide with your thought about my case and the required investigation.

with my best regards

Answered by Dr. Naveen (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Temporomandibular joint disorder...

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have seen the image you have posted and I do understand your problem. My opinion about your problem is:
1. You seem to be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint disorder.
2. Do not worry! Its one of the commonest problems, with adequate management this can be taken care of.
3. The initial management includes life style modifications such as chewing the food equally on both the sides.
For the initial couple of weeks you need to eat soft food, chewing equally on both the sides.
Avoid clenching or grinding of the teeth.
You can use over-the-counter analgesic gel, gently applying around the affected joint.
4. Radiological investigations such as CT or MRI scan of the joint would be appropriate. MRI scan shows the soft tissues and intra-articular disc well. Whereas CT Scan helps in understanding any bony changes in and around the joint.
5. Finally, I would suggest you to consult Oro-Maxillofacial Surgeon for the above problem and not the General Dentist.

Hope I have answered your query; I’ll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Naveen (8 minutes later)

Dear Doctor

Thanks a lot for your answer. Could you kindly please provide me with the investigation name MRI. Is that MRI on the jaw joint? Or there is specific term.

Thanks in advance And best regards

Answered by Dr. Naveen (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI of the Temporomandibular joint

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

MRI of the Temporomandibular joint would be the appropriate investigation of choice for studying the joint pathology (involving the soft tissues and the capsule of the joint). There is no specific terminology for the MRI.

Wish you good health

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana