Is It Tooth Pain or TMJ? How to Tell the Difference

TMJ or Tooth Pain? How to Tell the Difference and What to Do

Temporomandibular disorder symptoms can include pain in the jaw, neck, or face that closely resembles dental tooth pain — making it one of the more challenging conditions to self-diagnose. Orofacial pain can be complex, and the correct diagnosis matters because the treatment is entirely different depending on the source.

Learn about TMJ diagnosis and treatment at our Gilbert dental office  →  East Valley TMJ

What Is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull and are among the most frequently used joints in the body. TMJ pain is common in adults of all ages and can result from stress, injury, arthritis, or complex dental work. TMJ disorder affects speaking, chewing, swallowing, facial expressions, and in some cases, breathing.

Is It Tooth Pain or TMJ?

Tooth pain may result from a cavity, gum disease, or a sinus infection. TMJ-related pain can result from jaw clenching, bruxism, injuries, or dental procedures. Because the jaw muscles are closely connected to the teeth and surrounding structures, pain originating in the TMJ can be felt as tooth pain — and vice versa.

Finding the Source

A dentist is well-positioned to help identify the source of orofacial pain. In addition to examining the jaw, they can check for cavity-related tooth pain, poorly fitting fillings or crowns, gum disease, and fractured or chipped teeth — each of which can produce pain that mimics TMJ symptoms.

How Jaw Tension Can Cause Tooth Pain

Extensive dental work can alter the bite, placing additional stress on the jaw joint. This inflamed jaw position can lead to chronic TMJ pain if left unaddressed. Conversely, an upper molar toothache can affect the jaw joint, producing what feels like TMJ pain. If the toothache is resolved, the TMJ-related pain often resolves with it.

Get TMJ and Orofacial Pain Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

If you are experiencing jaw or tooth pain that has not responded to routine dental treatment, Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder and orofacial pain. No referral needed — book online or call (480) 539-7979.

About the Author

Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI has been practicing dentistry in Gilbert, AZ since 1994. He is highly trained in neuromuscular and physiologic dentistry, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, orofacial pain, and jaw dysfunction. One of fewer than 500 dentists worldwide to hold the LVIF designation from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.