AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I am available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicine for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor and State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Education/Credentials BA
DMD
Awards and Honors National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude
Question I recently went to the dentist for a pain in my lower back molar on the left side. It hurts when I bite down and my jaw hurts to open. It feels very stiff in the morning. The dentist put me on antibiotic and has a root canal schedules for a week from today. My question is more related to my jaw. My jaw hurts up near my ear. There is no popping - just pain. Could it really be the tooth that needs the root canal...or could it be some other issue. This tooth has a filling and hasn't really given me any problems until this pain just woke me up in the middle of the night. If my jaw is bumped...it just hurts terribly. Should I get a second opinion. I guess I have just never had a tooth cause my jaw so much pain. Thanks much!
Answer Karen - Referred pain from a tooth can produce the type of pain you describe, but many other possible causes exist. One of the most common causes for the pain you describe is just a muscular problem. I'm not saying you problem is muscular since I have never examined you, but it is a potential cause.
I do not disagree with you that you should seek a second opinion. I would suggest a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The surgeon is well versed in all aspects of facial pain and their many potential causes.
If you have any further questions feel free to contact me again.
