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Intermittent Pain in Jaw

Since late on Thursday night, I've been experiencing intermittent pain in my jaw around my upper molar area.  The pain radiates from my ear to right above my upper molar.  It, also, extends to my lower jaw on the same side.  I have had an ongoing problem with sinus congestion, but as of late, it seems to have gotten much better.  However, in the past couple of days, I've become congested, again.  Could this have anything to do with what's going on?  I have been taking Motrin every 6 hours or so, but it doesn't seem to provide me with much relief.  The pain hits me about every hour or so, then subsides.  Unfortunately, with it being the weekend, I can't get in to see my dentist until Monday morning.  Any ideas as to what might be causing my pain?      
6 Responses
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540545 tn?1377622918
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Its highly unlikely that it will resolve on its own.  If it is caused by the tooth, you would need some type of treatment to resolve it I would imagine.

If its a sinus problem, obviously resolving the sinus infection would alleviate the pain.

Have you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or ENT?

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have posted in the ENT section, but no response.  I felt better yesterday, but when I got up this morning, I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast.  Soon, thereafter, the pain returned.  I can feel the throbbing sensation localized on my upper back molar, but the pain still radiates along my upper and lower jawline.  The pain subsides for awhile, then returns.  However, the intensity is nothing compared to what I experienced a few days ago.  That was almost unbearable at times.  If it is a toothache, could it get better on it's on, without any intervention?  I have always been very good about taking care of my teeth and have never had a dental problem, other than a few cavities.  I can take my finger and push on my upper right molar and it's very sore.        
Helpful - 0
540545 tn?1377622918
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Usually with tooth pain, it is triggered by touch or cold/hot.  Generally pain isn't caused when you lie down or move your head around.  When you have a sinus infection, on an x-ray, you get a cloudy appearance of the sinus, indicated fluid build up in the area.  When you move around (or lie down), the fluid moves around and causes pain.  Also, you said you've been having congestion problems.  Also, if you push right below your eye where the congestion is, usually it'll trigger some pain.  Generally with a toothache, you don't get that response unless there's swelling on the gums.  

Actually, you may want to post in the ENT section (Ear Nose Throat) section and see what they say.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your reply.  Is there a specific reason you tend to think I'm suffering from a sinus problem, rather than a toothache?  Just curious.
Helpful - 0
540545 tn?1377622918
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, unfortunately sinus infections can feel like toothaches and with the complex network of nerves that criss-cross in your head, the pain can radiate to all parts of your face.  I would go see you family physician to see if you have sinusitis and get appropriate treatment.  Your symptoms seem to indicate a sinus infection more than a toothache.  If your physican rules out a sinus problem, then I would go see your dentist for treatment.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am currently having another very painful episode as I described in my earlier post.  It just hit me like a ton of bricks.  The pain is a throbing kind of pain and it will ease up after several minutes, then come back as bad, if not worse, than before.  I almost feel as though it's situated inside my ear and it's causing the nerves along my upper and lower right jaw to hurt.  I'd say on a scale of 1-10, the pain is around 7, possibly even 8 at times.  It gets worse when I lie down on my back.  It isn't relieved by cold or heat applied to the area.  Eating something also seems to worsen the pain to bring it on.  I went in about a month ago for my 6 month dental checkup and everything was great.  I've never had anything like this happen to me before.  I am in a lot of pain, to say the least.  Should I consult my dentist or my family physician?  
Helpful - 0

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