Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 11/30/2006

Question
Hello,
The best way I can explain is that I have a pain in (what feels like) by 2nd to last tooth on the upper right side. But it is not really the tooth.  I like to job and expercise and whenever I have a hard impact with the ground it causes like a nerve sensation my this tooth area.  It is not overly painful, and it has no other symtoms.  I also like to box for fun (with head gear) and if I am hit in the head it also hurts at this point only.  Again, this pain is only in one tooth area and feels like a nerve sensation.  I had my wisdom's out about 1.5yrs ago now and I had the same pain before I had them out.  I told the Dr. and he said it could be the wisdoms but likely somthing that would go away from my nerves being close to my sinuses.  Is this the likely scenario and something I will have to deal with because of my sinuses throughout life?  I of course understand you can give no definite answer on this site and would refer to me to my denist, just looking for a heads up. Happy Holidays. Dave Knazur  

Answer
Dave -  From what you describe there are two most likely possible causes.  One is the sinus.  The ends of the roots of the upper back teeth actually stick right into the sinus and even minor inflammation there of a chronic nature can produce pain.  The other potential cause is muscular pain.  The muscles that help open and close your mouth cover an area from the temple region to the bottom of the jaw.  They extend forward to the cheek bone area.  

Of course, without an exam I can only surmise.  A good possible treatment for you to decrease the chances of continued pain is to apply warm compresses to your face in the region.  Apply is for 30 minutes a couple of times per day.  Any improvement, if the two possibilities I gave you are true, would occur within about 7-10 days.

So try the heat and see what happens.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact me again.  Also I might suggest that you get examined by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  Their training in chronic facial pain is dominant in dentistry.