Angina or a heart attack can cause pain in the jaw. Temperomandibular joint syndrome and sinusitis are two other possibilities that require consideration during the diagnosis of jaw pain. However, an abscessed tooth is among the most common causes of pain in the oral cavity, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Causes
A tooth is composed of both hard and soft tissue. The three hard tissues are enamel that covers the crown, cementum that covers the roots and dentin, which lies beneath both of these. Dentin protects the soft tissue lying in the center of the tooth called the dental pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerve tissue and connective tissue, according to the American Association of Endodontists. Tooth decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures and trauma cause inflammation of the pulp. Severe inflammation from one of these can cause infection or necrosis of this soft tissue. Infection of the pulp spreads outside the tooth, causing an infection of the bone and gum tissue. This condition, known as an abscessed tooth, requires immediate dental attention.
Symptoms
A severe and continuous toothache that results in a sharp, throbbing or shooting pain in the jaw indicates a possible abscessed tooth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The tooth may demonstrate sensitivity to hot, cold and chewing. Sometimes the gum beside the tooth is swollen and red from the formation of pus. A bad taste occurs if the pus starts draining through the gum. Pain under the jaw in the neck occurs when an infection spreads to the surrounding lymph nodes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, fever may accompany an abscessed tooth.
Diagnosis
One of the diagnostic tests performed to diagnose an abscessed tooth is the percussion test. This test involves tapping on the tooth with a metal object such as the handle of a dental instrument. An abscessed tooth is very sensitive to this test, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other diagnostic tests used by a dentist include testing the tooth with ice, palpating the gum and jaw, and subjecting the tooth to biting pressure. A dental X-ray also provides valuable diagnostic information regarding the condition of the surrounding jawbone.
Treatment
According to Johns Hopkins Hospital, warm saline rinses, pain medications and antibiotics help control the pain associated with an abscessed tooth. Root canal treatment and tooth removal are the two treatment alternatives for treating the infection. Both of these accomplish the goal of removing the diseased dental pulp and allowing the infection to heal. Root canal treatment can save most abscessed teeth, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
Complications
Cellulitis, or spreading of the infection to surrounding tissues can be a serious complication of an abscessed tooth. This can result in swollen lymph nodes, fever, impaired vision and central nervous system problems. Infection spreading into the spaces of the head and neck can compromise breathing, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Prevention/Solution
According to the Cleveland Clinic, good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent a tooth abscess. Consulting a dentist at the first sign of pain or swelling in the oral cavity can prevent the development of severe pain, infection and complications.
