Jaw joint pain after dental treatment

After dental treatment, jaw joint pain can occur for various reasons. Typical here is the overloading of the temporomandibular joint, which is caused by a long treatment period and a corresponding opening of the mouth. Overstretching of the muscle fibers causes a fiber injury, which leads to muscle soreness similar to aching muscles.

As a rule, this pain subsides after about 2-3 days. However, if the symptoms do not improve or are persistent, a new visit to the doctor should be made after this time.Especially patients with already existing temporomandibular joint problems are at risk here and should inform their dentist about already existing symptoms before starting treatment. The dentist can then adjust the treatment accordingly.

In addition, an unsuitable, i.e. too high/low filling, crown, bridge or prosthesis can also cause temporomandibular joint pain after treatment. When biting together, a wrong bite position is created and the teeth cannot close in the usual position. The body then tries to put the lower jaw in its usual position and presses the rows of teeth against each other.

This results in a one-sided (pressure) load on the joint. Nocturnal teeth grinding or pressing can be caused in this way. By a simple correction by the dentist (called “grinding in”) this problem can usually be eliminated quickly.

Temporomandibular joint pain with cold

Typically, a cold is not accompanied by temporomandibular joint pain. Sometimes jaw pain can occur in the upper jaw if the viruses have spread to the sinuses and caused inflammation there. Rarely do these pains radiate to the upper jaw.

However, if a cold or flu-like infection is present, it is possible for muscle pain to occur. These can then affect the head and neck area and the temporomandibular joint. As a rule, this pain improves after 3-4 days.

Treatment is similar to home remedies for sore throats. Multiple camomile steam baths are preferable to taking medication. Tablets should only be taken on the instructions of the treating physician.

Furthermore, an inflammation of the middle ear can also affect the temporomandibular joint. This can be quickly triggered by a cold, especially in (small) children; adults are less frequently affected. Due to the spatial and nervous proximity, the inflammation can then also project itself onto the temporomandibular joint and trigger a pain stimulus there.